Food sustainability: problems, perspectives and solutions
Tara Garnett
- Vol. 72, Iss: 1, pp 29-39
TLDR
An argument is made for a reorientation of policy thinking which uses the insights provided by all three perspectives, rather than, as is the situation today, privileging one over the other.Abstract:
The global food system makes a significant contribution to climate changing greenhouse gas emissions with all stages in the supply chain, from agricultural production through processing, distribution, retailing, home food preparation and waste, playing a part. It also gives rise to other major environmental impacts, including biodiversity loss and water extraction and pollution. Policy makers are increasingly aware of the need to address these concerns, but at the same time they are faced with a growing burden of food security and nutrition-related problems, and tasked with ensuring that there is enough food to meet the needs of a growing global population. In short, more people need to be fed better, with less environmental impact. How might this be achieved? Broadly, three main ‘takes’ or perspectives, on the issues and their interactions, appear to be emerging. Depending on one's view point, the problem can be conceptualised as a production challenge, in which case there is a need to change how food is produced by improving the unit efficiency of food production; a consumption challenge, which requires changes to the dietary drivers that determine food production; or a socio-economic challenge, which requires changes in how the food system is governed. This paper considers these perspectives in turn, their implications for nutrition and climate change, and their strengths and weaknesses. Finally, an argument is made for a reorientation of policy thinking which uses the insights provided by all three perspectives, rather than, as is the situation today, privileging one over the other.read more
Citations
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Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer : a Global Perspective : 食物、栄養、身体活動とがんの予防 : 世界的展望(後篇)
TL;DR: International experts in cancer prevention analyse global research on diet nutrition physical activity cancer and make public health policy recommendations, the fractions of cancer attributable to potentially modifiable factors are analyzed.
Journal ArticleDOI
Food security and sustainable intensification
TL;DR: It is argued that the magnitude of the challenge is such that action is needed throughout the food system, on moderating demand, reducing waste, improving governance and producing more food, and sustainable intensification strategies are needed.
Journal ArticleDOI
Food choices, health and environment: Effects of cutting Europe's meat and dairy intake
Henk Westhoek,J.P. Lesschen,T. Rood,Susanne Wagner,Susanne Wagner,Alessandra De Marco,Donal Murphy-Bokern,Adrian Leip,Hans van Grinsven,Mark A. Sutton,Oene Oenema +10 more
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the large-scale consequences in the European Union of replacing 25-50% of animal-derived foods with plant-based foods on a dietary energy basis, assuming corresponding changes in production.
Journal ArticleDOI
INFORMAS (International Network for Food and Obesity/non-communicable diseases Research, Monitoring and Action Support): overview and key principles
Boyd Swinburn,Boyd Swinburn,Gary Sacks,Stefanie Vandevijvere,Shiriki K. Kumanyika,Tim Lobstein,Bruce Neal,Simon Barquera,Sharon Friel,Corinna Hawkes,Bridget Kelly,Mary R. L’Abbé,Amanda Lee,J. Ma,J. Macmullan,Sailesh Mohan,Carlos Augusto Monteiro,Mike Rayner,David Sanders,Wendy Snowdon,Wendy Snowdon,Chris Walker +21 more
TL;DR: Through monitoring and benchmarking, INFORMAS will strengthen the accountability systems needed to help reduce the burden of obesity, NCDs and their related inequalities.
References
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