Today, on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we are proud to launch our Climate Solutions Story Series. This year’s theme is climate action. In this unprecedented time of global uncertainty amid the pandemic, we have the opportunity to make change for the future. According to the Earth Day Network, “Climate change represents the biggest challenge of the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable.”
This is a time for transformation. We have the opportunity to adjust to a new normal and learn how our everyday actions impact our environment. Together we can do better. Through our story series, we will illustrate the strong link between food choices and climate change. We are fortunate that many climate solutions to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration of agriculture and food systems already exist in BC.
The global pandemic is a wake-up call. Click To TweetThis crisis has impacted and disrupted our current food environment. Now is the time for everyone to ask themselves what actions we can take to create a resilient, climate-friendly local food system. The food we eat and how it is grown can and does have a significant impact on climate.
In January 2019, the EAT-Lancet Report says, “a radical transformation of the global food system is urgently needed. Food is the single strongest lever to optimize human health and environmental sustainability on Earth.” Every day, 2 to 8 times a day, we make food choices. The choices that we make not only have positive or negative impacts on our health but can make significant impacts on climate. According to this science-based report, “a diet rich in plant-based foods with fewer animal source foods confers both improved health and environmental benefits for people and the planet.” This is very much in line with the updated Canada’s Food Guide that encourages Canadians to eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, whole grain foods, plant proteins, and less animal protein.