Our global food system is in crisis, and the numbers are staggering: one in ten people worldwide face hunger, while two billion struggle with obesity. At the same time, we're wasting a shocking one-third of all food produced, and agriculture is responsible for a third of global greenhouse gas emissions. It's a complex, interconnected mess, but a team of Cornell researchers is leading the charge to transform the way we eat and produce food. In a groundbreaking special issue of The Lancet Planetary Health, they argue that we need bold, multi-faceted solutions to create a food system that's healthy, sustainable, and just for all.
But here's where it gets controversial: can we really achieve all these goals simultaneously? The Cornell team, led by Professor Mario Herrero, believes we can. They emphasize the need for synergistic approaches that tackle environmental protection, human health, and fair food systems in tandem. This special issue, coordinated by five members of Cornell's Food Systems and Global Change (FSGC) group, builds on the work of the EAT-Lancet Commission, a global coalition of experts from over 35 countries.
And this is the part most people miss: our food system is like a delicate ecosystem – addressing one issue in isolation can have unintended consequences elsewhere. As Daniel Mason-D’Croz, a senior research associate at Cornell, explains, "It's like squeezing a water balloon – pressure one area, and another will bulge." For instance, promoting healthier diets with more fresh produce can increase food waste due to perishability. To truly transform our food systems, we need holistic solutions that consider the entire supply chain, from farm to fork.
The special issue offers a wealth of recommendations for producers, consumers, and governments. For consumers, it's about adopting diets with less animal-based foods and more fruits and vegetables. Producers are encouraged to boost productivity and embrace circular practices, such as nutrient recycling. Governments, meanwhile, must invest in long-term research and development to create more efficient, sustainable food production methods.
Here's a bold interpretation: what if the key to a sustainable food future lies not just in technology, but in rethinking our entire relationship with food? Contributors like Thais Diniz Oliveira and Matthew Gibson challenge us to consider the interconnectedness of social and ecological systems. Gibson, whose PhD research was inspired by the first EAT-Lancet report, hopes this new issue will spark global collaborations to address the urgent questions: How can we transform food systems at the speed and scale required? Can we feed a growing population while reducing our environmental footprint and ensuring fair wages for farmers?
As we grapple with these complex issues, one thing is clear: the time for action is now. With contributions from leading institutions worldwide, including Wageningen University and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, this special issue is a call to arms for a more sustainable, equitable food future. But what do you think? Are these recommendations feasible, or do they overlook critical challenges? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments – the future of our food system depends on it.
