Economics for Rebels The ecological economics of food systems – Mike Clark
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Apr 23, 2023 In this conversation, Mike Clark, a Senior Researcher in Sustainable Food Solutions at Oxford, explores the ecological economics of food systems. He delves into the rising food demand driven by population growth and income, predicting a significant increase in agricultural production by 2050. Clark discusses the environmental toll of food systems, including greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss, while advocating for mostly plant-based diets as a major mitigation strategy. He also highlights the importance of policy reforms to encourage healthier, sustainable eating habits.
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Rapid Global Growth In Food Demand
- Global food demand is rising due to population growth and higher per-capita GDP, driving more calories and animal products.
- Models forecast a 50–80% increase in agricultural production by 2050 if current trends continue.
Food Systems Drive Major Environmental Harm
- Food systems are a dominant driver of environmental harm, contributing roughly a third of global greenhouse gas emissions.
- Agriculture is the leading source of biodiversity loss and uses 70–90% of freshwater for irrigation.
Nutrition Delivery Is Failing At Scale
- Current food systems still fail to deliver adequate nutrition: over 800 million are food insecure and about 3 billion face micronutrient deficiencies.
- Despite these failures, global nutrition outcomes have improved compared with the distant past.