Using a macroeconomic model (MAVA), we demonstrate that it may be possible to provide both for food security and environmental services in the long run.

CIES academic co-director Professor Timothy Swanson and CIES alumnus Pedro Naso, together with Ozgun Haznedar and Bruno Lanz, have published their new research in CIES Research Paper #71. 

Their research focuses on the intersection of land use for public good uses and the notion of food security in the 21st century. They ask if it will be possible to meet the food requirements of 12 billion people while dedicating substantial parts of the global land supply for purposes of climate change management and biodiversity provision?

Using a macroeconomic model (MAVA), they argue that it may be possible with relatively minor welfare losses. "Global policies that reallocate labour across sectors of the economy may have the capacity for directing the economy toward reduced reliance on land in agriculture. Focusing on education, research and development, and fertility costs may be the best way to meet these combined goals."