Page 3 - Impact Winter 2023

CFANS Insights survey:
76% of Minnesotans concerned about climate change
A CFANS Insights survey conducted in collaboration with the University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership (MCAP) looks at Minnesotans’ perspectives on climate change. According to the survey, 76
percent of residents, and 85 percent of Gen Zers, are concerned about climate change.
“Understanding how Minnesotans feel about climate change is vital to engage in effective conversations and accelerate climate action across the state,” said
Heidi Roop, PhD, director of MCAP and assistant professor of climate science in CFANS. “This survey shows that while overall concern is greatest with Gen Z, a deeply climate-conscious generation, there is warranted concern across age groups, and that hope and a desire for action are at the heart of Minnesotans' attitudes about climate change.”
Despite urgent challenges and concerns, it’s not all doom and gloom for Minnesota residents. The survey showed 56 percent of Minnesotans are hopeful that society will do enough to reduce the most severe impacts of climate change. That response went up to 62 percent for Gen Zers surveyed.
“To avoid the worst impacts of climate change, we need to focus on both mitigation and adaptation — addressing the root causes of climate change while also preparing for future impacts,” said Roop. “Together, through research, experimentation, collaboration and leadership, we can help ensure that Minnesota is ready for the impacts of climate change today and tomorrow.”
LET’S JUST EAT THE BUGS
Entomophagy – the practice of eating insects as food – is common in many cultures around the world, with bugs on the menu as a delicacy or just a regular part of an everyday diet. In fact, up to 80 percent of the world’s nations eat insects. In western nations like the U.S., however, many consumers are inclined to say “no thanks” when a dish made with six-legged critters gets passed around the table.
Sujaya Rao, PhD, head of the Department of Entomology, is promoting entomophagy and working to change social perceptions about it from “yucky” foods to healthy, eco-friendly diets of the future.
Originally from South India, Rao came to the U of M to get her PhD, doing research on different agricultural systems and looking at insects both as pests and pollinators. Assessing the need for pest management alongside the need for pollinators, she was struck by the dilemma farmers faced.
“Consumers want relatively inexpensive food that doesn’t have bugs in it, and farmers try really hard to provide that,” said Rao. “The reality is, insecticides are still probably the most effective and economical option for many pest management programs — but when you put insecticides on plants, important pollinators like bees die. My solution is: let’s just eat the bugs!”
According to Rao, bugs are not just “famine” foods eaten in times of scarcity. Today, around 2,000 species are eaten by choice in more than 100 countries. “Humans also enjoy prawns, crabs, lobsters, and other creatures that feed on matter at the bottom of the ocean,” said Rao. “These are close relatives of insects, so why not eat insects too?”
By 2050, the world’s population will surpass nine billion people. This means current food production will have to double. What we need, says Rao, are both alternative foods and new ways to grow food. That’s where insects come in. Bon appétit!
 Watch Rao’s recent TEDx Minneapolis talk at z.umn.edu/sujayarao.