Bullock Texas State History Museum
Hot Topic
RECEIVED Thu., March 30, 2023
Dear Editor,
As someone who is constantly boasting about my spice tolerance, A. Richmond’s article “Hot and Bothered: Austin’s Record-Hot Summer Affects Pepper Harvesting” [Food, Sept. 9, 2022] certainly caught my attention. I think there’s a lot to say about Texas’s relationship with climate change – from winter storms leaving people powerless for days to blistering hot summers which feel worse every year. Additionally, what Richmond’s article points out is how increases in temperature can negatively affect agriculture. This is significant in Texas as agriculture is important to our economy and, as mentioned in the article, we will be seeing an increased number of hotter days.
Changes in climate requires innovation and changes in farming with methods such as those covered in the article, hydroponics and drip irrigation. I think it's interesting to point out that both of these methods are better at conserving water and are more sustainable options compared to other watering methods. It seems as though this change could be a worthwhile investment for the health of crops in the future and for the environment.
Additionally, this article has helped me realize that being aware of the connection between the food we eat and climate change can get people more interested and involved. Knowing that the reason Sriracha isn’t on our shelves at the moment is because of global warming may be the push someone needs to drive less or recycle more. And in Texas, that push might be peppers.
As someone who is constantly boasting about my spice tolerance, A. Richmond’s article “Hot and Bothered: Austin’s Record-Hot Summer Affects Pepper Harvesting” [Food, Sept. 9, 2022] certainly caught my attention. I think there’s a lot to say about Texas’s relationship with climate change – from winter storms leaving people powerless for days to blistering hot summers which feel worse every year. Additionally, what Richmond’s article points out is how increases in temperature can negatively affect agriculture. This is significant in Texas as agriculture is important to our economy and, as mentioned in the article, we will be seeing an increased number of hotter days.
Changes in climate requires innovation and changes in farming with methods such as those covered in the article, hydroponics and drip irrigation. I think it's interesting to point out that both of these methods are better at conserving water and are more sustainable options compared to other watering methods. It seems as though this change could be a worthwhile investment for the health of crops in the future and for the environment.
Additionally, this article has helped me realize that being aware of the connection between the food we eat and climate change can get people more interested and involved. Knowing that the reason Sriracha isn’t on our shelves at the moment is because of global warming may be the push someone needs to drive less or recycle more. And in Texas, that push might be peppers.
Sincerely,
A.O.
A.O.
