Blog - Global Food Security

The food system is a vital part of the climate solution

Date: 17 November 2022

The UN recently stated that it finds ‘no credible pathway to 1.5C in place’ with current global commitments to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. In anticipation of the conclusion of COP27, here is a recap from the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, released in April 2022. This looks at possible solutions and mitigation strategies in response to the changing climate, including what role the food system can play in our fight against climate change.

Agriculture

Stress to success: the behaviour of resilient vegetables under climate change

Date: 9 November 2021

2021 is a year of converging events; the UK is hosting the COP26 climate change conference, the UN COP15 conference focusing on biodiversity has just passed, and the international year of fruit and vegetables is in full swing. To celebrate these events, Dr Olivia Cousins shares the importance of maintaining and using the biological diversity of vegetable crops so that they can endure the stresses of our changing climate.

Nutrition and health

Youth Food Environments: Changing Sport Sponsorships to Protect Our Health

Date: 12 August 2021

To celebrate the 2021 UN International Youth Day, on Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health, GFS presents blog posts from young people involved in transforming the UK food system. Jacob Rosenberg, member of Bite Back’s youth board, discusses the importance of the environments that shape and influence the food young people buy and eat.

Public engagement

The Youth Voice: Agents of Transformational Change in the Food System

Date: 29 July 2021

To celebrate the 2021 UN International Youth Day, on Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health, GFS presents blog posts from young people involved in transforming the UK food system. 17 year old Emily Yanchuk, vice chair of Bite Back’s youth board, shares how youth are key agents of transformational change in the food system, and the importance of the youth voice.

Policy

Is the UK ready for plant-based diets?

Date: 7 January 2021

The 2019 Policy Lab winners present their new report which identifies the potential impacts of the emerging trend of plant-based diets on the UK food system. Here the team give a ‘behind the scenes’ to their process of writing a Think Piece, how they successfully engaged with stakeholders, and why now is the opportune time to be discussing plant-based diets.

Public engagement

Transforming the food system, one story at a time

Date: 30 November 2020

Winners of the GFS 2020 ‘Speak Up for Food Security’ competition, Mirjam Hazenbosch and Nina Goodlad, describe their experiences of converting their PhD research into captivating stories, and the benefits of doing so.

Resilience

Bracing the UK food system for multiple shocks

Date: 11 September 2020

Covid-19 is just the latest in a series of disruptions to the UK food system. Now is the time to build food system resilience against inevitable future shocks, says Dr Riaz Bhunnoo, Director of GFS.

International

Unintended consequences of cash crop production in Eastern Uganda demonstrate the need for holistic thinking and multi-pronged action

Date: 22 May 2020

Sugarcane production is a major industry in Uganda, however growing the cash crop often has negative impacts for local farmers. Denis Muwanguzi explains why holistic thinking and multi-pronged action are needed.

Consumer behaviour

Milking it dry? Risks and opportunities of plant-based milk alternatives

Date: 29 April 2020

The runners-up of the 2019 GFS Policy Lab highlight some of the challenges and opportunities for our food system resulting from the increasing popularity of plant-based milk alternatives.

Resilience

Changing the tide in aquaculture: lessons from nature for seafood resilience

Date: 27 February 2020

A more diverse aquaculture sector could contribute to healthier, more environmentally friendly diets, but how palatable would the UK public find this step change? asks Dr Sofia Franco.

Consumer behaviour

Root-to-stalk: an old practice to meet a modern challenge

Date: 20 December 2019

In this month’s guest blog, Hélèna Dove (Kew) explores how we can improve the sustainability of our feasting by getting the most out of our fruits and vegetables.

Policy

What transforming food systems means for policy: from ideas to action

Date: 28 October 2019

The principle of joined-up food policy has been circulating for at least twenty years, but now is the time to put it into practice, says Dr Kelly Parsons (City University of London).

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