The Green Revolution, which began in the mid-20th century, aimed to increase agricultural production worldwide through the use of high-yielding varieties of seeds, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides. While it significantly boosted food production, one of its notable unintended consequences was the increased need for fossil fuels.
The introduction of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides often requires considerable energy for their production and distribution, as well as for the machinery needed to plant and harvest crops. This reliance on fossil fuels contributed to greater greenhouse gas emissions and raised concerns about sustainability and environmental degradation. Additionally, the increased energy demand often resulted in greater vulnerability to fluctuations in fossil fuel prices and availability, posing risks to farmers and the agricultural industry as a whole.
In contrast, other options like improved soil quality and enhanced farmer income were not universally representative of the outcomes associated with the Green Revolution. While some farmers did see increases in income, these benefits were not evenly distributed, leading to disparities in wealth and access to resources. The decrease in crop varieties highlighted another critical issue, as monoculture farming practices became more common, reducing biodiversity and increasing susceptibility to pests and diseases. Thus, the increased need for fossil fuels stands out as a significant unintended consequence tied to the multifaceted impact of the Green Revolution on agricultural practices