The food system—that is, all the processes involved in feeding the global population—is responsible for ∼25% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It also drives deforestation and biodiversity loss, land degradation, water overuse, and pollution, and creates and perpetuates inequalities within and across societies. And it does not even feed us effectively: While obesity and diet-related noncommunicable diseases escalate, hunger and micronutrient deficiencies persist. As the global population grows, becomes wealthier, and demands more resource-intensive foods, these problems are likely to worsen. A systemic approach that jointly addresses problems related to production, consumption, and inequity is needed.
Author: Tara Garnett