The interplay between national food security, global trade agreements like the WTO, and the quality of science education presents a complex challenge to modern societies. A nation’s food self-sufficiency rate, often expressed as a percentage of domestically produced food meeting its total consumption, is a key indicator of its resilience to external shocks. However, striving for complete self-sufficiency can conflict with the principles of free trade embodied in the WTO. The WTO advocates for the reduction of tariffs and trade barriers, promoting international competition and lower prices for consumers. This often leads to a trade-off: higher food self-sufficiency rates might be achieved by imposing tariffs, thereby contradicting the WTO’s principles and potentially triggering retaliatory measures from other nations. This trade-off is further complicated by the role of science and technology. Scientific advancements in agriculture, such as genetically modified crops and improved farming techniques, can significantly increase food production. However, public acceptance of such technologies is often influenced by the level of scientific literacy within the population. A strong science education system is crucial for fostering critical thinking skills, enabling citizens to evaluate scientific evidence objectively and engage in informed discussions about the risks and benefits of new technologies. Without such understanding, public opposition to vital agricultural advancements can hinder efforts to improve food self-sufficiency and complicate international trade negotiations. Furthermore, the ethical considerations surrounding food production must be addressed. Concerns about environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and labor practices within the agricultural sector need to be integrated into national food policies. These ethical concerns often intersect with economic considerations, making decision-making even more challenging. International cooperation, facilitated by organizations like the WTO, is needed to establish fair and sustainable trade practices that address both economic and ethical dimensions of food production. Ultimately, achieving a balance between national food security, global trade, and ethical considerations requires a holistic approach, incorporating strong science education to foster informed decision-making and public discourse.
1. According to the passage, what is a major challenge associated with achieving high food self-sufficiency rates?
2. What role does science education play in addressing the challenges mentioned in the passage?
3. Which of the following best summarizes the author’s perspective on achieving a balance between food security, global trade, and ethical considerations?
4. The passage suggests that public acceptance of agricultural advancements like genetically modified crops is primarily influenced by: