by Aimrehtopyh » Tue 09 Sep 2008, 12:06:46
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('outcast', 'O')perational tractors + fertilizers = no die off.
Those are two pretty big assumptions, but let's ignore the effects of severe energy scarcity for a minute.
I happen to agree with Roccland that the arctic methane release scenario is a real killer.
Even with fertilizer and operational tractors we would be hard-pressed to relocate North America's bread basket. Moving it 500 miles north over the course of twenty years is probably doable. The trouble is that this methane release scenario might mean that we'll be required to move it 1000 miles in less than five years. I doubt our ability to relocate or rebuild all the rail lines, homes, schools, silos, water wells, etc. fast enough to save a great many people from starving.
This is without factoring in any further rise in energy prices or social instability.