TOEFL 통합 작문

📖 읽기 지문

The concept of 'sustainable intensification' in agriculture has been proposed as a solution to meet the growing global food demand without expanding farmland. Proponents argue that by increasing crop yields on existing land through advanced technologies, we can reduce deforestation and preserve biodiversity. Three key reasons support this approach. First, high-yield varieties and precision farming techniques can significantly boost output per hectare, as seen in the Green Revolution, which saved millions of hectares from cultivation. Second, sustainable intensification reduces greenhouse gas emissions by limiting land-use change, since clearing forests for agriculture releases stored carbon. Third, it allows for the sparing of natural habitats, which is crucial for protecting wildlife, as evidenced by studies showing that higher yields in some regions have correlated with lower rates of habitat loss. Therefore, investing in agricultural research and technology is essential to achieve food security and environmental sustainability simultaneously.

🎧 듣기 강의

The lecture challenges the idea that sustainable intensification is the panacea for food production and environmental protection. While it sounds promising, the speaker argues that focusing solely on yield increases often leads to unintended consequences. First, the assumption that higher yields prevent deforestation is flawed. In reality, increased profitability from high-yield farming can encourage farmers to expand their operations into nearby forests, a phenomenon known as 'rebound effect.' For instance, in the Amazon, soybean yields have risen, yet deforestation rates have remained high as cleared land becomes more valuable. Second, the claim about reducing greenhouse gases is misleading. Intensified agriculture relies heavily on synthetic fertilizers, which are produced using fossil fuels and release nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. Moreover, the machinery and irrigation required for high yields also contribute significant emissions, potentially offsetting any savings from avoided land conversion. Third, land sparing does not automatically benefit biodiversity. Intensified farms often create monocultures that provide poor habitat for native species, while spared land may be fragmented or degraded, failing to support viable populations. In fact, some studies indicate that wildlife-friendly farming, though lower yielding per hectare, can maintain better overall biodiversity across a landscape. Thus, the lecture concludes that sustainable intensification is an oversimplified solution that ignores complex ecological and economic feedbacks.