Final answer:
Food is more plentiful on a per capita basis today due to advancements in agriculture and food distribution systems, leading to lower global food prices. However, this abundance has led to shifts in dietary preferences, obesity issues, and environmental stress, with concerns about sustainability and food security as the world population continues to grow.
Step-by-step explanation:
On a per capita basis, food is more plentiful today than at any other time in human history. The significant advancements in agriculture, transportation, and food storage have led to increased food production and a decrease in global food prices since 1875. However, the abundance of food has resulted in some unintended consequences. For instance, in countries like India, China, and the United States, as incomes have risen, there is a shift in dietary preferences towards more fats and proteins and fewer carbohydrates, contributing to obesity and other health issues. Moreover, this shift poses challenges for global food production and adds stress on the environment due to increased demands for meat and dairy products.
Relative to our ancestors, modern society benefits from an unprecedented selection of foods. Early farming societies and hunter-gatherers expended a similar amount of effort for their food, but today's technologies and systems make food acquisition much easier. Yet, the question arises whether humanity can maintain this level of production and resist overconsumption without compromising future generations' ability to meet their food needs.
The coming food crisis is a concern, as the world's population continues to grow rapidly, creating increased demand for food. The expectation is that by 2050, with nearly 10 billion humans, food production, specifically milk and meat, will need to rise substantially. Balancing the need to feed a growing population against sustainable environmental practices is one of the significant challenges facing the world today.