‘An easy solution’

Dear Editor:

An open letter to our leaders, energy producers and media.

If Russia continues its war on Ukraine, spring planting may not happen, which could result in mass starvation in the Sub Saharan and some middle eastern countries. There is a solution.

Ukraine is one of the major breadbaskets of the world. Even if crops are planted and harvested, which looks doubtful as much damage has been done to the country, Russia can block the Black Sea ports from which it is shipped to Africa and the Middle East. 

The western world will have to make up for the shortfall in wheat and other grains to feed North Africa and the Middle East. An easy solution would be to dedicate all the land now growing corn, wheat and barley used for producing the ethanol added to gasoline to growing food for people. Canada can easily produce more oil to make more gasoline to replace the ethanol. 

This may not be the whole solution but it certainly would help. You can avert this possible disaster by planning ahead and getting the leaders of other countries to do the same. 

Jane Vandervliet,
Erin