Question

some suggest that we could reduce the environmental impacts of agriculture by stopping the use of all pesticides. why is this unlikely?

pests would be significantly reduced.

food costs would increase by 50%.

Explanation:

To determine why stopping all pesticide use is unlikely, we analyze the options:

• The first option ("Pests would be significantly reduced") is incorrect because without pesticides, pests would likely increase, not decrease, damaging crops.
• The second option ("Food costs would increase by 50%") is a valid reason. Without pesticides, crop yields would drop due to pest damage, leading to less supply. Lower supply with constant or increasing demand raises food prices, making this a strong argument against stopping all pesticide use.

Answer:

Food costs would increase by 50%