Key Takeaways from "Food and Agriculture as a Key Solution to the Climate Crisis" Summit

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Food and Agriculture as a Key Solution to the Climate Crisis Summit in NYC hosted by Food Tank, in partnership with WWF, WholeChain and NYU Steinhardt. In this all-day event, a series of speakers from diverse backgrounds across the globe discussed the crucial role of food and agriculture in addressing the climate crisis. I learned a lot throughout the day and came away feeling invigorated by the sheer power of food, recognizing that we have the opportunity (and responsibility) to drive change on a policy and individual level through our work in the F&B industry.

Here are a few takeaways from the day that stood out to me:

Think in systems: Virtually every speaker mentioned the importance of a systems-based approach to climate solutions: the idea that every aspect of climate change is interconnected and there is no one-size-fits-all or “silver bullet” solution. Rather, we need to look at how every part of the system interacts to benefit the whole.

• When it comes to food and agriculture, policy change is necessary to shift toward more sustainable practices. But certain policy changes can have negative impacts on marginalized communities – particularly the laborers experiencing those changes in real-time. Empowering and incentivizing the laborers – who are the true change agents – is key to implementing positive change.

Less problem, more action: As the climate crisis becomes an increasingly prominent topic of discussion and recognized by two-thirds of the population worldwide as a global emergency, our focus needs to shift away from convincing others it’s a problem that exists and towards the actions we can take to make a positive difference. (We know it’s a problem, now what can we do to help?)

• I was particularly impacted by a discussion with youth leaders on how doomsday climate messaging is draining younger generations of their hope and leading them to believe nothing they do could make a difference. Sage Lenier, Sustainable and Just Future, talked about her experience at college watching the energy wilt from her classmates after attending environmental classes where the material focused on the doom and gloom of climate change. While Lana Weidgenant, Act4Food and ProVeg International, made the interesting point that taking action could actually help relieve climate anxiety.

Don’t know where to start? Look to your plate: Addressing climate change requires unity, togetherness, and collaboration – words I heard repeated throughout the day. And food is the ultimate connector: an emotional experience that is universally understood. Thinking about climate change through the lens of food is a powerful way to bring what often feels like a lofty conversation to our present-day lives.

• Alysia Reiner, American Actress and Climate Activist, brought up the idea that our individual choices can tell a story to the world. Huge dietary changes are not the only way to make a positive climate impact. Even small climate-friendly choices like bringing a reusable water bottle everywhere you go, reducing plastic waste from takeout orders by using apps like Deliver Zero, or using up all the food in your fridge can go a long way. Rather than feeling restricted or bogged down by climate-friendly food rules, Reiner suggests appreciating and leaning into the inherent joy, playfulness, and beauty of food. (Do the best you can and have fun with it.)