Abstract
The great fragility of ecosystems supporting food production requires alternative ways of thinking regarding the scientific research, as well as a bold analysis of public policies to be implemented to feed the planet, in an environment that would become hostile to agricultural production. In order to preserve the food ecosystems essential to human development, this book presents anticipatory visions and prospective analyzes based on the concept of “de-coincidence”, developed by the philosopher François Jullien. This search for a creative sense, freed from the coincidences of common sense, from the “déjà vu”, invites us to rethink the methods of organizing research in agronomy or in the field of the environment in order to encourage initiatives that go off the beaten track. Implementing new forms of research organization is necessary. It is also important to consider “worst” scenarios, in particular by imagining extreme configurations for the future, in which food production would become impossible in a “natural” environment. In order to define innovative solutions and effective public policies, this work offers three “de-coincident” essays aimed at designing pathways that would make it possible to prepare for the transformations to come. The first essay discusses institutional solutions for promoting de-coincident research. The next one focuses on a fictitious “worst-case” scenario in a context of extreme global warming. Eventually, the last essay analyzes what we can do “right now” to brace for “the worst” and prevent certain crises from occurring.