The global food crisis is a ticking time bomb, and we need to act now. Cornell University researchers are leading the charge, with a special issue of The Lancet Planetary Health that tackles the urgent need to improve our diets and food systems. But is it too little, too late?
The issue, coordinated by Cornell's Food Systems and Global Change (FSGC) group, reveals some startling facts: hunger and obesity are rampant, with one in ten people at risk of hunger and 2 billion people overweight or obese. Agriculture's impact is immense, contributing a third of global greenhouse gases, and a third of all food produced is wasted. It's a complex web of issues that demands our attention.
But here's the crux: transforming our food systems requires a holistic approach. As Mario Herrero, a professor at Cornell, emphasizes, "We need to implement multiple actions simultaneously to maximize the benefits for the environment, human health, and food justice." This special issue is a call to arms, advocating for a comprehensive strategy.
The inspiration for this issue came from the EAT-Lancet Commission's second report, which highlighted the need for sustainable practices in food production. Daniel Mason-D'Croz from FSGC explains, "The food system is interconnected, and addressing one issue often affects others." For instance, while shifting to healthier diets can benefit both people and the planet, it may also increase food waste due to the perishability of fresh produce.
And this is where it gets tricky: Marina Sundiang, a postdoctoral associate, suggests that managing food loss and waste is crucial. This could mean more frequent shopping for consumers, better composting access for communities, and research-backed storage practices for growers. It's a delicate balance.
The special issue offers solutions for all stakeholders. Consumers are encouraged to adopt healthier diets, producers are advised to increase productivity and nutrient recycling, and governments are urged to invest in long-term research. Thais Diniz Oliveira and Matthew Gibson, both contributors, believe this research could foster new collaborations and answer critical questions about transforming food systems rapidly and effectively.
Controversially, some may argue that these efforts are not enough. With the clock ticking on climate change and global hunger, is the academic world moving fast enough? Are we doing enough to ensure a sustainable and just food future?
This research, funded by Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and others, is a significant step forward. But the real question is, will it catalyze the urgent action needed to address the global food crisis?
