the nature diaries

In today’s world of climate change and environmental challenges, the way we grow and eat food is causing some big problems. While our food system does feed billions of people, it also plays a major role in damaging the planet – it’s wearing down our soil, hurting biodiversity, and wasting a massive amount of food.

These issues don’t just harm the environment; they also put our future food supply at risk. So, clearly, something needs to change.

For starters, agriculture and the food system are responsible for about 30% of global emissions. Nicoletta Batini, writing for the International Monetary Fund, points out that farming, especially livestock production and cutting down forests for farmland, is a big contributor to climate change.

And it’s not just bad for the planet. Diets heavy in meat and processed foods are also linked to rising health issues like obesity and chronic illness.

Without fast, coordinated action, the way we grow and eat food will keep pushing us closer to dangerous climate tipping points.

Another big issue is monoculture farming. Monoculture is the practice of cultivating a single crop species over a large area, which is common in industrial agriculture due to its efficiency in large-scale operations. It is a method used for growing corn, wheat, rice, and soybeans, among other crops. However, it causes serious long-term damage. It strips nutrients from the soil, leads to heavier use of fertilizers and pesticides, and wipes out biodiversity.

A well-known example of the risks of monoculture is the Irish Potato Famine, where relying on a single crop variety led to disaster when disease struck. 

And then there’s food waste. Approximately one-third of all the food produced globally is thrown away. That waste isn’t just about the food itself – it also represents all the water, energy, labor, and emissions that went into making it. In fact, food waste alone causes 8–10% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. 

The good news is that we can fix a lot of these problems, and the solutions bring a lot of other benefits, too.

Things like regenerative farming, using land more wisely, and cutting back on chemical use can bring soil back to life and reduce emissions. Eating more plant-based meals and wasting less food can make a big difference for both the planet and our health. Encouraging more diverse crops and sustainable practices helps protect ecosystems and makes our food system more resilient.

And on top of all that, these changes can support farmers, reduce inequality, and build stronger communities. If we rethink how we grow, use, and value our food, we can create a food system that is healthier, fairer, and far more sustainable.