Food systems | USOS | University of Antwerp

Sustainable food systems: can we feed more people with less impact?

On Tuesday November 20, we take a closer look at the relationship between climate change and agriculture. Farming systems impose a heavy burden on our environment, leading to negative outcomes such as a significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, land degradation and a loss in biodiversity. At the same time, a growing global population increases the demand for food. Hence, the agricultural sector is faced with a dilemma: how can more people be fed with less impact on our environment? Should we all eat less meat or organize its production more efficiently? Experts bring forward diverse solutions, but how feasible are they for regular farmers? In this debate, we will discuss how we can move towards sustainable ways of food production (and consumption).

Ivan Janssens is a full professor in the research group Plant and Vegetation Ecology. He is a leading expert in ecosystem functioning and performs research on the effects of global climate changes on ecosystems. His research focuses on carbon balances of multiple ecosystems (how much carbon do they take up, how much biomass do they produce, how is humus formed and decomposed,...). Ivan is now active in the European Horizon 2020 project Imbalance-P, that is specifically aimed at unravelling the effect of nutrient imbalances on food security, ecosystem-functioning, climate and sustainable development. Ivan is the coordinator of the Centre of Excellence: Global Change Ecology (GCE).

Diane Schoonhoven is Advisor on Climate, Energy and Sustainability for ‘Boerenbond’, the professional association of farmers active in Flanders and German-speaking communities in Belgium.

Nick Jacobs is the coordinator of the International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food). Combining knowledge across multiple scientific disciplines with insights from civil society, IPES-Food provides authoritative analysis on what reforms are required to build sustainable food systems around the world, and how these changes might occur in a context of major power imbalances. Since 2015, the expert panel has produced major reports on agroecology, the food-health nexus, urban food policies and agribusiness mergers. Nick holds an MA in Modern Languages from Cambridge University and an MSc in Globalization and Development from the University of Antwerp (Institute of Development Policy). Before working for IPES-Food, Nick was a member of the support team to the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Olivier De Schutter (2011-2014). Previously, Nick worked as a journalist for Agra Europe, as well as blogging for EU Observer.

Tuesday 20 November 2018
From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
University of Antwerp - Stadscampus
Rodestraat 14 - R.004 - 2000 Antwerpen (how to reach the Stadscampus?)

Register here