The chapter delves into the scholarly perspective on famine provided by Cormac O'Grada, exploring the definition of famine and its interconnected factors like food scarcity and excess mortality. It discusses the distinction between famine and malnutrition, highlighting the devastating impact of famine on vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. The conversation also touches upon the consequences of using crops for biofuels and the global implications of food insecurity in the modern era.
It's common knowledge that famines are usually caused by major droughts: Rain doesn't fall, crops don't grow, and people go hungry. But recent research suggests that while weather may trigger famines, they may actually be more of a human-made catastrophe. Find out more in this classic episode.
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