Zero: The Climate Race
Best of: How the humble refrigerator changed the world
Dec 26, 2024
Nicola Twilley, author of "Frostbite: How Refrigeration Changed Our Food, Our Planet, and Ourselves," explores the transformative power of refrigeration on food systems. She reveals how the vast "cold chain" ensures food freshness while also highlighting its environmental repercussions. The conversation tackles the paradox of refrigeration, discussing its role in both reducing waste in developing countries and exacerbating overconsumption in wealthier regions. Ultimately, Twilley advocates for mindful consumption to balance flavor and sustainability.
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Quick takeaways
- Refrigeration has transformed food preservation and distribution, significantly altering dietary habits and accessibility in both developed and developing nations.
- The refrigeration industry faces major challenges related to energy consumption and harmful emissions, necessitating innovations in refrigerants and sustainable cooling methods.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Refrigeration and Its Impact
Refrigeration has revolutionized food preservation and distribution, drastically transforming dietary habits and accessibility. Historically, the challenges of transporting perishable goods led to innovative cold chain solutions, such as the first transcontinental shipment of broccoli. Achievements in refrigeration technology paved the way for meat transport over vast distances, lowering prices and increasing consumption, particularly of red meat. However, as access to refrigeration expanded, it has contributed to increased food waste in developed countries, where consumers often overstock their refrigerators.
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