Honestly, that first graph showing the de-link of corn production and land use should be at least as alarming as it is inspirational.  That sort of breakaway from a limiting factor doesn&#x27;t come for free.<p>In this case, it represents the outcome of GM monocultures and intensive irrigation.<p>GM crops are, so far, a nearly consequence free gain.  The use of monocultures presents a bunch of risks, but until and unless they pan out, it&#x27;s a simple gain.<p>The aggressive irrigation required to produce so much corn from so little land is rather more hair-raising.  In the midst of a serious drought, we&#x27;re finally facing the question of whether the Ogallala Aquifer is going to give out on us altogether.  At current consumption rates, the answer appears to be &#x27;yes&#x27;.  This isn&#x27;t about using the world more efficiently, it&#x27;s about diminishing land use in favor of massively unsustainable water use.<p>When we see our production break away from it&#x27;s usual constraints, that&#x27;s not a time to celebrate the preservation of nature.  It&#x27;s a time to ask what we&#x27;re consuming <i>instead</i>.