Cary Fowler: One seed at a time, protecting the future of food

The video discusses the critical importance of crop diversity as a genetic resource essential for agriculture's survival and adaptation, especially in the face of climate change. It highlights the alarming loss of crop varieties, using apples as an example, and emphasizes the need to preserve this diversity for future resilience. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is introduced as a key initiative to safeguard seeds worldwide. The video calls for global cooperation to ensure the preservation of crop diversity, which is vital for addressing future agricultural challenges.

What did Jack Harlan describe crop diversity as?

• An economic burden

• A trivial matter

• A genetic resource

• A modern invention

Why is it important to preserve even less popular crop varieties?

• They are easier to grow

• They might have unique traits useful for future challenges

• They are more delicious

• They are more profitable

What is the expected impact of climate change on agriculture in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa?

• Stable weather patterns

• Increased crop yields

• Severe agricultural challenges

• Decreased population

What is the primary purpose of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault?

• To grow crops in a controlled environment

• To preserve crop diversity as a backup for seed banks

• To store food for emergencies

• To conduct agricultural research

What is a significant feature of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault's location?

• It is located in a desert

• It is remote and naturally cold

• It is easily accessible by road

• It is in a tropical climate

What is the role of crop diversity in addressing climate change?

• It reduces the need for water

• It increases the cost of farming

• It provides options for adapting agriculture

• It is irrelevant to climate change

What is the speaker's view on the necessity of crop diversity?

• It is a luxury

• It is a necessary component for solving global issues

• It is only important for scientists

• It is a temporary solution

What does the speaker suggest as a financial strategy for preserving crop diversity?

• Reducing agricultural research

• Increasing taxes on farmers

• Investing in new technology

• Endowing crop diversity like art museums

What is the speaker's final thought on conserving crops like wheat and rice?

• It is unnecessary

• It is too expensive

• It should be left to private companies

• It may help save humanity

What is the speaker's perspective on international cooperation for crop diversity?

• It is only beneficial for developed countries

• It is crucial for long-term sustainability

• It is not needed

• It is a waste of resources