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Bad thing Quote by Wendell Berry

“There are lots of bad things that can happen to a food economy that's both extensive and centralized. There's no substitute for petroleum. To have a growth economy based on a declining fuel supply is bound to be stressful.” quote by Wendell Berry
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“There are lots of bad things that can happen to a food economy that's both extensive and centralized. There's no substitute for petroleum. To have a growth economy based on a declining fuel supply is bound to be stressful.”

Wendell Berry

About This Quote

Source Essay: "The Unsettling of America", 1977

A centralized, extensive food system is vulnerable; reliance on finite petroleum makes growth stressful.

In simple terms: Food systems need decentralization and renewable energy.

Key Takeaway

Promote local, sustainable agriculture.

Themes

environment economics energy food security

Mood

reflective concerned

Type

environmental analytical

When to use this quote

  • farm policy
  • urban planning
  • energy transition

Key Concepts

systems thinking resource limits sustainability

Questions to Reflect On

  • What steps can communities take to localize food production?
  • How can economies grow without fossil fuels?
A Different Perspective

Transitioning to renewables is costly and politically challenging.

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