Creating a Better World, At Every Age

For every challenge the world faces today, there are endless reasons to be inspired by dedicated individuals working on solutions. Recently, I have been especially inspired by young people. The ongoing resurgence of youth activism – from 16 year old Greta Thunberg, who gave a passionate speech about climate change at Davos, to my own daughter who, in her senior year of high school, is exploring the best path for her future that will allow her to be part of the solution – reassures me that our future is in good hands.

I recently attended the Food Systems Dialogues where we discussed the intersection of two of our world’s most prevalent issues: food and climate change. Reports released at the end of 2018 make it clear that climate change is here, and action must be taken to control human impact on the environment – including the approximately 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions that stem from agriculture, forestry and other land use changes. Simultaneously, despite important advancements in food production, more than 800 million people still go to bed hungry each night.

Just like my daughter and millions of people of all ages, individuals and organizations around the world are working to make a difference. I am thrilled to see people and organizations making changes to reduce their environmental footprint, decrease food loss and waste, and make food production more sustainable.

I’m proud to represent Bayer as part of the World Business Council’s Food Reform for Sustainability and Health (FreSH) initiative, which is working to address these issues and more. Alongside stakeholders in the food and agriculture sectors and guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we’re working to advance sustainable food systems to support a healthier planet and healthier people.

Together, we can create a world with zero hunger, healthy sustainably-produced food and a healthy climate. To enable this, we need to all commit to the following:

1. Listen. We must all be open to differing opinions of others. Focus less on whether someone “has an agenda” and more on identifying an opportunity to work together.
2. Innovate. The problems we are facing today are not new, however, their size and scope are unprecedented. To address them, we need a new approach with new solutions.
3. Act. Words can only go so far. Together, we need to take actions that in culmination will create a better world for all.

I am looking forward to joining with others in pursuit of similar goals at GreenBiz, discussing how our sector can do our part to support a healthier planet and healthier people. We are proud to collaborate with farmers, nutritionists, dietitians and partners toward sustainable food systems that are both good for human health and good for our planet. 

Together, by engaging in constructive dialogue and challenging ourselves to think outside the box, we can all make a difference. Join me, my daughter and millions around the world and take a step – whether it’s through a change in lifestyle or call to action in your community or company – to contribute to a healthier, more sustainable world. 

I would love to hear your thoughts here on the Linkedin or on the twitter at @GabrielaBurian