The biggest challenge, in an age of challenges?

As we peer over our facemasks into 38°c of suffocating heat, we might be forgiven for thinking that we have a sufficient number of life-changing events to be thinking about already. 

However, maintaining biodiversity is not only critical for the survival of many things in the natural world we take for granted, but linked directly to both climate change and the need to feed a growing population. In ten years' time urban areas are projected to occupy three times as much available space as at the turn of the millennium. Efforts to feed a population of 7.8bn have resulted in huge areas of forest and grassland being converted to food production. This, environmental groups argue, is not only detrimental to the environment but has a negative impact on long-term, sustainable and secure food production.

Biodiversity encourages production systems which are better able to withstand single-event stresses, and are more resilient to the challenges of climate change that we are now becoming used to. And yet, according to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organisation, many key components of biodiversity in food and agriculture are in decline, including the variety present in farmers' fields.

Consumer surveys suggest a change in attitudes and focus in purchasing decisions. They indicate that there is a public expectation that food businesses will consider the environmental and social impact of the suppliers and ingredients they use. Ethical trading and sustainability are now, if not standing right at the front when food purchases are made, at least looking over the shoulder, and judging... 

So will science save us, and can it win over the short-term economic argument? As always, the answer, in part, depends on us. Will we be prepared to bear additional costs to our grocery shopping if that is what is required? Will we accept fewer food choices due to a drift back to seasonality and a change in land use? Crucially, if science gets to grips with the big questions, how will we react if we do not immediately like the answers?