There has been much media excitement about the EU removing its quota arrangement for sugar beet production thus maximising European production and refining of sugar (bbc.co.uk/news/business-41412717). There are a number of potential problems associated with this decision. Firstly, the consumption of sugar in Europe is already much too high with detrimental effects on obesity, incidence of diabetes mellitus and dental health. Secondly, the decision makes sugar cane growing in some countries even less viable. And, thirdly, the land used to grow yet more sugar beet could be used to grow other more needed crops (or even to be kept aside to maintain biodiversity).
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Wednesday 27 September 2017
Sugar, Sugar
There has been much media excitement about the EU removing its quota arrangement for sugar beet production thus maximising European production and refining of sugar (bbc.co.uk/news/business-41412717). There are a number of potential problems associated with this decision. Firstly, the consumption of sugar in Europe is already much too high with detrimental effects on obesity, incidence of diabetes mellitus and dental health. Secondly, the decision makes sugar cane growing in some countries even less viable. And, thirdly, the land used to grow yet more sugar beet could be used to grow other more needed crops (or even to be kept aside to maintain biodiversity).
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