Download to read offline
Planetary Food Systems and Climate Change.pptx
- 1. Planetary Food Systemsand Climate Change Dr. Kanza Aziz Awan
- 2. Introduction • Planetary foodsystems refer to the entire network of processes, activities, and interactions involved in producing, processing, distributing, consuming and disposing of food, all within the context of global environmental boundaries and planetary limits • Systems are impacted by climate change, and in turn, contribute to it through activities like agriculture, land-use change, food production and transportation • Planetary food systems is integral to discussions on how food systems should evolve to ensure sustainability and resilience to climate change, while also minimizing their environmental impact
- 4. Climate change andbiodiversity loss • Sustainable agriculture, nutrition and the livelihoods of millions of people depend on the diversity of crops and livestock species and intra-species genetic diversity • The biodiversity of plants and animal species consumed is directly correlated with food security • Genetic diversity is a critical factor for the continued improvement of crop varieties and livestock breeds and determines the extent to which genetic resources are passed down to future generations
- 6. • Unfortunately, therehas been a dramatic loss of biodiversity, including the diversity of genes, species, and ecosystems due to habitat destruction (i.e., settlement, changing agricultural practices, deforestation, industrialization), global warming and the uncontrolled spread of invasive species • Pollution, nitrogen deposition, and shifts in precipitation further exacerbate biodiversity loss • Over the past 50 years, agriculture has focused too heavily on conventional cereal and horticultural crops leading to the loss of indigenous and traditional food crops • While more than 6,000 plant species have been cultivated for food, just 9 account for 66% of total crop production, indicating widespread monoculture agriculture • Today, 80–90% of the human diet relies on 12 to 20 species and only three, rice, maize and wheat contribute nearly 60% of calories and proteins obtained by humans from plants Conti…
- 7. Conti… • Only fewterrestrial animal species, namely, cattle, sheep, pig and chicken are domesticated for food production • Almost 26% of livestock breeds are at risk of extinction. About 24% of wild food species are decreasing in abundance, while the status of another 61% is not reported or known
- 9. Key Components ofPlanetary Food Systems Agricultural Production and Land Use • Agriculture is both a major contributor to climate change (through greenhouse gas emissions from activities like rice cultivation, livestock rearing, and deforestation) and highly vulnerable to it • Shifts in temperature, water availability and extreme weather events can drastically affect crop yields and food security • Climate change can lead to the loss of arable land, altered growing seasons and reduced crop diversity, which may further strain global food systems • Sustainable farming practices like agroecology, permaculture and precision agriculture are seen as critical to adapting agricultural systems to the changing climate while minimizing their carbon footprint
- 11. Food Processing andDistribution • The transportation of food, especially over long distances, significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Supply chains that rely on fossil fuels (e.g., for refrigeration, long- haul transportation and packaging) exacerbate climate change • The processing of food itself (e.g., manufacturing, packaging, and processing) also consumes energy and in some cases, leads to significant emissions from chemical and industrial processes • Decentralized, local food systems, which prioritize local production and consumption, are considered more resilient and energy-efficient • These systems can reduce emissions from transportation and create food systems that are less vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions
- 12. Food Waste andLoss • A large portion of food produced is wasted. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that about one-third of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted, contributing to both food insecurity and greenhouse gas emissions • Decomposing food waste in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas • Reducing food waste is essential for lowering the environmental impact of food systems and mitigating climate change • Strategies include improving food storage, better logistics and promoting consumer awareness about food waste
- 14. Diet and ConsumptionPatterns • Food choices play a significant role in both climate change and sustainability. The shift towards diets rich in plant-based foods and less reliant on meat and dairy can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions • For example, the livestock sector is a major emitter of methane and nitrous oxide, both potent greenhouse gases. Shifting to plant-based diets can decrease the environmental footprint of food systems while contributing to better health outcomes • Encouraging sustainable diets is a key part of adapting food systems to climate change. This could include local, seasonal food consumption, as well as minimizing the intake of processed foods
- 16. Water and SoilHealth • The availability of freshwater is a major concern for agriculture in the face of climate change • Regions facing drought or erratic rainfall patterns may experience reduced crop yields, which could exacerbate food insecurity • Soil degradation (from overuse, deforestation, and poor farming practices) also threatens food production
- 17. Conti… • Climate changeis expected to accelerate soil erosion and loss of fertility, making sustainable land management crucial for long-term food security. • Technologies and practices that promote water and soil conservation, such as drip irrigation, mulching and agroforestry, are important to protect the integrity of food systems
- 18. Food Sovereignty andPolicy • Food sovereignty emphasizes the right of communities to define their own food systems and ensure local control over food production • This concept is seen as critical in building resilience to climate change, as it empowers local communities to adapt to climate impacts and promote sustainable practices • Policy frameworks and regulations that support climate-smart agriculture, incentivize sustainable practices and protect small-scale farmers are essential for ensuring that planetary food systems are aligned with climate goals. • International cooperation and investment in sustainable food systems can help communities, especially in the Global South, better adapt to the impacts of climate change
- 19. Link between PlanetaryFood Systems and Climate Change • Feedback Loops: Climate change and food systems influence each other in a feedback loop. For instance, agriculture contributes to climate change through emissions, but the changing climate also affects agricultural productivity. This creates a cycle of vulnerability. • Mitigation and Adaptation: A key challenge is finding ways to both mitigate (reduce greenhouse gas emissions) and adapt (adjust to climate impacts) within food systems. Strategies include reducing emissions from farming (e.g., through sustainable practices), increasing carbon sequestration in soils and promoting climate-resilient crops. • Systems Thinking: To tackle the twin challenges of climate change and food security, it is essential to consider food systems as a whole understanding the interconnections between agricultural production, consumption patterns, waste, land use and environmental impact.
- 20. Solutions for PlanetaryFood Systems in the Face of Climate Change • Sustainable Intensification: Increasing food production in a sustainable manner to meet the needs of a growing global population while minimizing environmental impacts
- 21. • Agroecology: Aholistic approach to farming that integrates ecological principles into agricultural systems. It promotes biodiversity, enhances soil health, and reduces the reliance on external inputs like chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Conti…
- 22. Conti… • Circular FoodSystems: Reducing waste and maximizing the use of resources through practices like composting, reusing food scraps and turning waste into valuable products (e.g., biogas from food waste).
- 23. • Renewable Energyin Food Systems: Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources (e.g., solar or wind) for food production, processing and transportation. Conti…
- 24. • Dietary Shifts: Encouragingdietary changes that reduce the environmental impact of food consumption, including eating less meat and more plant-based foods. Conti…