Diet for a Large Planet: Industrial Britain, Food Systems, and World Ecology

The modern diet, heavy in meat, wheat, and sugar, is unsustainable and requires more land and resources than the planet can support. This diet, rich in animal proteins and refined carbohydrates, led to new health problems and forced Britain to become more dependent on global resources. Chris Otter's book "Diet for a Large Planet" explores how this issue expands beyond Britain, looking at the global effects of large agro-food systems that require more resources than our planet can sustain.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 05 June 2023
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

The unsustainable modern diet, characterized by its heavy reliance on meat, wheat, and sugar, has emerged as a pressing global concern. This diet, which requires more land and resources than the planet can sustainably support, has profound implications for human health and the well-being of our environment. The roots of this problematic dietary pattern can be traced back to the late eighteenth century in Britain, where a shift towards a diet rich in animal proteins and refined carbohydrates began to take shape.

As Britain experienced steady growth, urbanization, industrialization, and economic expansion, its food choices underwent a significant transformation. The nation shifted away from locally produced plant-based nutrition, embracing a diet that prioritized animal proteins and refined carbohydrates. This new diet, known as the "Western diet," was believed to contribute to the nation's physical strength and prosperity. However, it also brought about a range of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

The production of this unsustainable diet relied on a vast expanse of land, far exceeding the country's own agricultural capacity. To meet the demands of this new diet, Britain became increasingly dependent on global resources, particularly land and fossil fuels. This reliance on external inputs not only strained the nation's resources but also contributed to environmental degradation and climate change.

The impact of the Western diet extends far beyond Britain's borders. The global agro-food system, which is heavily reliant on large-scale production of meat, wheat, and sugar, requires an immense amount of resources that exceed the Earth's capacity to regenerate. This system not only contributes to deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions but also undermines the sustainability of food production and the livelihoods of farmers and workers.

Understanding the history of the unsustainable modern diet is crucial in addressing the current food crisis. By examining the factors that led to the adoption of this dietary pattern and its global consequences, we can develop more sustainable and equitable food systems that prioritize human health, environmental sustainability, and social justice.

One potential solution to the food crisis is the promotion of plant-based diets. Plant-based diets, which are rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, have been shown to have numerous health benefits and can be more environmentally sustainable than diets that rely heavily on animal products. Additionally, promoting local food consumption can help reduce the carbon footprint of food production and support small-scale farmers and food producers.

Another approach is to invest in sustainable agricultural practices that prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and resource conservation. This includes reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, implementing crop rotation and cover cropping, and promoting regenerative agriculture techniques. By adopting these practices, farmers can produce food more efficiently while minimizing their negative impact on the environment.

In conclusion, the unsustainable modern diet, characterized by its heavy reliance on meat, wheat, and sugar, has profound implications for human health and the well-being of our planet. The roots of this dietary pattern can be traced back to the late eighteenth century in Britain, where a shift towards a diet rich in animal proteins and refined carbohydrates began to take shape. The production of this diet relies on a vast expanse of land, far exceeding the country's own agricultural capacity, and contributes to environmental degradation and climate change. To address the current food crisis, we need to promote plant-based diets, invest in sustainable agricultural practices, and reduce our dependence on global resources. By doing so, we can create a more sustainable and equitable food system that meets the needs of present and future generations.

Weight: 618g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226826530