The background
To begin it is worth reminding ourselves of the impact of climate change,
urbanization, economic growth and globalization.
Climate change. As we know, the earth's climate is constantly changing
– but in recent years there has been a significant change. The Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has predicted that global temperature will rise
by the end of the century by between 1.4C and 5.8C. Most of the warming that has
occurred over the last 50 years is, according to the IPCC (2007), attributable
to human activities. The result of this will be a further rise in sea levels
(and an increased risk of flooding), problems around fresh-water supplies in
many parts of the world, a decrease in agricultural productivity in many areas,
and significant health risks. The Stern Review (2006) concluded that climate
change presents very serious global risks, and it demands an urgent global
response. It will impact disproportionately on poorer countries – but even in
richer countries, if nothing is done there will be profound economic
consequences. Overall, it could mean the equivalent of around a 20% reduction in
consumption per head.
crystal franciosi on 11 Dec 12This is an article from the Journal of Hunger and Environmental Nutrition. It speaks about the growing concerns that our world faces today regarding the industrial food system. These concerns are addressed by the European Union, comprised of 27 nations. There is a call for major changes in policy regulations and some of the changes needed are with product manufacturing and regulation. There is an urgent need for sustainable food systems and the EU is addressing these social, economic and health concerns on a global level. There are 4 parameters to consider here and those are the physical world, the physiological world, the social world, and the cognitive world.
