Environmental Stability and Food systems Flashcards
(20 cards)
How much of global greenhouse gas emissions come from the food system?
Around 25–30%, mainly from livestock, rice production, and fertilizer use.
What are 4 the main environmental impacts of the global food system?
Deforestation,
biodiversity loss,
freshwater depletion,
greenhouse gas emissions.
What health issues are linked to the current food system?
Both undernutrition and diet-related non-communicable diseases like obesity and heart disease.
Why is there a need to shift to sustainable food systems?
To feed ~10 billion people by 2050 without destroying the planet.
What is a sustainable diet according to the FAO?
A diet with low environmental impact that supports food/nutrition security and healthy lives for present and future generations.
What are 4 key features of sustainable diets?
Environmentally low-impact,
nutritionally adequate,
culturally acceptable, accessible,
economically fair.
What are 4 practical shifts involved in sustainable eating?
More plant-based foods,
fewer animal-source foods (especially red meat),
less ultra-processed food,
reduced food waste.
What is the ‘planetary health diet’ by EAT-Lancet?
A largely plant-based diet with small amounts of meat/dairy designed to meet nutritional needs and stay within ecological limits.
What does the Eatwell Guide recommend for a healthy diet?
> 5 portions of fruits/veg per day, starchy high-fiber foods, moderate intake of dairy and protein.
How can the Eatwell Guide be adapted for sustainability? 4
Use more plant proteins,
reduce red meat,
eat seasonal/local foods,
moderate dairy.
What is a challenge of shifting to sustainable diets? 3
Cultural resistance to reducing meat,
affordability of healthy food,
making changes acceptable to all income groups.
How can reducing food waste improve sustainability? 3
Increases efficiency,
conserves resources,
improves food availability.
What did the EAT-Lancet Commission recommend for red meat intake?
An average of only 14 grams per day.
What is SDG12 about?
Responsible Consumption and Production, including halving global food waste by 2030 and promoting sustainable food systems.
How does reducing red and processed meat benefit health and sustainability?
It lowers GHG emissions and reduces risks of heart disease and colorectal cancer.
Why is increased fruit/veg intake good for the planet and health?
It prevents NCDs and has a lower environmental footprint than meat production.
How can consumers support sustainable food systems? 3
By choosing plant-based options,
reducing food waste,
buying sustainably sourced products.
What is the role of the food industry in sustainability? 3
Reducing environmental impact through sourcing standards,
packaging reduction,
reformulating products.
What are 4 examples of individual actions for food sustainability?
Meal planning,
proper storage,
composting,
reducing food waste.
Why is systemic change important in food sustainability?
Because making sustainable choices easy and accessible requires broader changes in supply chains, urban planning, and policy.
