Raj Patel

Raj Patel, a research professor at the University of Texas at Austin and a panel member of IPES-Food, dives deep into the hidden costs of our food system's reliance on fossil fuels. He discusses how this connection impacts food production and socioeconomic inequalities, particularly for working-class families. Patel also critiques colonial legacies in agriculture and advocates for a shift towards sustainable, community-driven food systems. Furthermore, he emphasizes transitioning to a care economy that prioritizes equity and grassroots action for a more resilient future.

Dr. Rupa Marya, an Associate Professor at UC San Francisco and co-founder of the Do No Harm Coalition, joins Raj Patel, a Research Professor at the University of Texas focusing on food systems. They discuss the deep links between food justice and societal health, emphasizing the need to decolonize food systems to combat inflammation in bodies and communities. Their conversation highlights grassroots movements, the impacts of colonialism on health disparities, and the call for holistic approaches to reimagine health and well-being through community resilience and indigenous wisdom.

Raj Patel, an award-winning activist and researcher at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, discusses his collaborative work with historian Jason W. Moore on the quest for lower production costs throughout history. They explore how colonialism and capitalism have exploited nature and marginalized people in their drive for cheapness. Patel critiques capitalism through vivid examples, such as industrial chicken production, and advocates for 'reparations ecology' to heal historical wounds. He also highlights grassroots movements addressing climate crises, emphasizing the need for revolutionary change.