Who has eaten the planet? A meeting to explore the limits of the global food system and its impacts on the planet
On November 18, 2024, the Center for Humanities and Social Sciences (CCHS-CSIC) will host a key event for understanding the environmental and social impacts of food production on a global scale. The seminar entitled "Who Has Eaten the Planet? The paths of food systems beyond the safe and just operating space (1850-2020)" will bring together leading international experts in agriculture, environment and sustainability. Organized by the Eurepean Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant 2023 project Who Has Eaten the Planet? (WHEP), led by CSIC researcher Eduardo Aguilera, the event promises to provide deep insights into the interactions between food systems and planetary boundaries.
The WHEP Project
Funded by the European Research Council, the WHEP project traces the environmental footprint of food production since 1850, analyzing its impact on the planet and its relationship with human nutrition. While much has been studied over the past 60 years, the effects prior to 1961 remain poorly quantified. WHEP aims to fill this gap by creating a global database, estimating impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions, land, water, and nutrient use, and tracking these effects along global supply chains. The goal is to better understand how food production and consumption have contributed to exceeding planetary boundaries and how these environmental impacts are related to population diets.
How Are We Eating the Planet?
During the seminar, prominent experts will discuss several crucial aspects of the global food system. The event will begin with a project presentation by its director, Eduardo Aguilera (IEGD-CSIC), followed by a talk by Juan Infante-Amate, who will explore the history of agriculture from a biophysical perspective, examining how agricultural practices have shaped the relationship between society and the environment. Rasmus Einarsson will present how agricultural statistics provide a solid basis for ongoing biophysical studies.
How Are We Feeding the Soil and the People?
The seminar will also explore how nutrients, essential for food production, often turn into pollutants. Gilles Billen and Josette Garnier, both from CNRS/Sorbonne University, will discuss the impact of nutrient flows in agri-food systems and the resulting pollution in aquatic ecosystems and the atmosphere. Additionally, José Mogollón, from Leiden University, will focus on the critical role of phosphorus in the global food system, while Hanqin Tian, from Boston College, will analyze global carbon and nitrogen cycles and their impact on greenhouse gas emissions. Drinking the Planet Water, a vital and finite resource, will be the focus of another session. Jaime Vila-Traver, from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, will discuss the various “colors” of water, referring to its use and contamination. Miina Porkka, from the University of Eastern Finland, will discuss the planetary boundaries of water. João Serra, from Aarhus University, will conclude this section by addressing spatial modeling of water-nitrogen interactions.
Who Is Responsible for the Impacts?
The seminar will conclude with a discussion on the responsibility for the global food system's environmental impacts. Alex Urrego, from the University of Granada, will offer a perspective on Latin America, while Emiliano Travieso, from Carlos III University of Madrid, will present new economic history narratives, such as the Great Green Divergence. Finally, Martin Bruckner, from the Vienna University of Economics and Business, will explain how environmental impacts can be traced along global supply chains.
Free Registration Required
This seminar offers a unique opportunity to comprehensively explore the challenges facing the global food system and how its impacts affect both the environment and society. Registration is free, but prior sign-up is required. We invite all interested parties, especially researchers, students, and professionals in sustainability, environment, and food systems, to participate in this enriching and thought-provoking event. Don’t miss out!
Más información
- Open seminar "Who has eaten the planet?. The paths of food systems beyond the safe and just operating space (1850-2020)"
- Mon, 18-11-2024 CCHS Headquarters. Menéndez Pidal Room 0E18
- Organized by: Who has eaten the planet? Project (WHEP). The paths of food systems beyond the safe and just operating space (1850-2020). Project: 101115126 — WHEP — ERC-2023-STG
- Program: https://www.cchs.csic.es/es/event/seminario-abierto-who-has-eaten-planet-paths-food-systems-beyond-safe-just-operating-space
- Registration: https://forms.gle/zuooHXzJH7H8vmqk9
