Why it’s important to rethink what we eat and how we produce it

Welcome to the course.

In this video, the course presenter explores the connection between planet, humans and human health.

In recent years it has become clear that the Earth is becoming warmer. This is due to climate change which has become a global challenge.

Climate change does not respect national borders nor is it exclusive to a few countries or nations. Climate change affects us all, and as a result, it requires action to be coordinated at an international level.

The planet’s ecosystem is vital to sustain all life on Earth. We rely on the Earth’s resources including its land and water to feed us. How do we increase food production while also reducing our impact on the environment? How can we feed more people with less land, so we can free up more space for nature and wildlife?

This will require a menu of solutions, changes to diets, food waste reduction, improvements in agriculture efficiency, and technologies that make low carbon food alternatives scalable and affordable.

Just like how the food we produce affects the health of the planet, the food we eat impacts our own health and wellbeing. Crucially, food is fuel, and we need it to survive. The human body requires adequate amounts of macronutrients and micronutrients for energy, growth and maintenance as we will explore in the next Steps.

The planet, our food, and ourselves are deeply interconnected. To look after one, we must look after all.