Sustainable food for a sustainable planet

摘要

In recent years, the impact that food production and consumption have had on the environment has received increasing international attention. Some food production practices and consumption behaviours are putting the environment under a great stress, contributing to climate change. The food sector accounts for around 30% of the world's total energy consumption and accounts for around 22% of total greenhouse gas emissions. With a world population expected to reach about 9 billion by 2050 and with continuing degradation of the planet's resources, how we produce and consume our food is becoming essential in the safeguarding of our planet. On May 20, 2017, a report by the European Public Health Association (EUPHA) was released on sustainable diets guidelines in Europe. On the basis of an analysis published in 2016, the report found that only two countries in Europe—Germany and Sweden—include sustainable recommendations in their dietary guidelines, with Brazil and Qatar being the best countries outside Europe. Others such as the UK and USA provide advice on sustainable diets, but do not have any governmental support policies.