Sustainable diets: Harnessing the nutrition agenda

There has been rapid growth in the global population over the last century and estimates for 2050 are a global population of over 9 billion. These mouths need to be fed and the nutritional quality of the food received will be a key determinant of future health. Alongside this expansion in the world’s population, rapid economic growth in China, India and South America is increasing demand for protein-rich foods, especially meat and dairy products, causing concern about the impact this may have on green house gas emissions. As economies strengthen and dietary and lifestyle patterns become more westernised, the so-called diseases of affluence are becoming ever more evident, often alongside malnutrition. This paper considers these challenges and the need to embed thinking about nutrition into discussions about sustainability of the food supply.

► A sustainable food supply is key to ensure food security for future generations.
► Food demand is rising in line with growth of the global population.
► Obesity and malnutrition often co-exist in a country, challenging public health.
► Nutrition has to be an integral part of sustainability discussions.
► Reducing food waste at all stages in the food chain is considered to be a quick win.