Feeding Change: Food Systems and Climate Change, from a Sociologist’s Lens
From the 9th to the 18th of July, the INSSPIRE project provided me with an opportunity to interact with a wide network of multidisciplinary players in the South-South Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) and the Global North. It was an intense week of different kinds of activities that provided a window into the lives of all the participants present. Through the lively banter and serious conversations, a glimpse into eight countries with ‘differently similar’ food systems got me thinking… In a world gripped by the ominous specter of climate change, the global food system stands as both a victim and a culprit. I was driven as a sociologist to unpack the complex web of relationships between food production, consumption, and distribution and the significant effects they have on the climate of our planet. I thought about the intricate sociological aspects of the connection between food systems and climate change. Of emphasis was the urgent need for transformative change to ensure a sustainable and just future.
The interplay between food systems and climate change is a sociological tapestry that unravels the complexities of power, identity, and inequity- this was very evident in the presentations made and the discussions that went round. Addressing climate change necessitates an overhaul of the global food system, embracing regenerative and sustainable practices that prioritize social justice and ecological resilience. We must reassess our ideals as a society and rethink how we view food. A more sustainable future can be attained by empowering small-scale farmers, promoting local food projects, and minimising food waste. By acknowledging the sociological nuances inherent in the food-climate nexus, we can forge a path towards a nourishing and climate-conscious society. Together, we have the capacity to weave a new narrative of resilience and sustainability, securing a brighter tomorrow for all.
