New publication takes a holistic look at sustainable food systems

16 October 2024, by Nele Räther

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The global food system currently contributes to and is affected by multiple global crises comprising climate change, biodiversity loss, land and ecosystem degradation, and human health. There is an urgent need for changing the food system to ensure food security within environmental boundaries as the food sector causes one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. The definition of “sustainable” food systems is widely discussed and includes many facets like healthy and plant-based diets, low emissions, reduced food waste, reduced land and water use as well as improvements in production systems.

Prof. Jana Sillmann, Group Leader of the research group Climate Extremes, contributed as co-author to the publication "Ruminating on sustainable food systems in a net-zero world" recently published in the journal Nature Sustainability. Based on Norway as a case study, the authors present a holistic approach to sustainable food systems which needs to include the collective efforts of the food system and other sectors to meet sustainability targets. By exploring the use and misuse of the term sustainability in the food-system context and using the example of Norway to highlight this discussion, the authors evaluate different sustainability perspectives, and suggest pathways for reduced meat consumption in line with both local values and global needs.