Food and Sustainability

Description

Food and Sustainability is the first text on this topic to consistently and coherently bring together important concepts from different disciplines to introduce students to a common challenge: food sustainability.

• The first text to introduce students to the full range of disciplines underpinning food sustainability, and help them successfully apply their knowledge to the real-world challenges food sustainability presents.
• Case studies throughout demonstrate the real-life application of concepts being introduced in the main text, while a range of in-text learning features promote engagement, reflection, and critical thinking on the part of the reader.
• In-depth boxes introduce more complex topics, such as derivations or specific terminology, without disrupting the flow of the main body of text.
• A 'Food controversy' panel in each chapter encourages the reader to view topics under discussion from different perspectives, and to appreciate how there is often no one 'right answer' to debates and issues.
• A 'Connect the dots' feature actively encourages the reader to make links between the range of disciplines discussed in different chapters, underpinning the study of food sustainability in order to see the field as a coherent whole.
• Also available as an e-book with functionality, navigation features, and links that offer extra learning support

About the Author(s)

Edited by Paul Behrens, Leiden University College The Hague, Leiden University and Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Thijs Bosker, Leiden University College The Hague, Leiden University and Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, and David Ehrhardt, Leiden University College The Hague, Leiden University

Paul Behrens is an Assistant Professor in Energy and Environmental Change at Leiden University. A physicist by training, Paul received his Masters in Physics and Astronomy from the University of Sheffield (UK) after conducting research at the Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes (Spain). His PhD is from the University of Auckland (New Zealand), where he developed remote sensing techniques for the harnessing of wind energy. Before joining Leiden University Paul worked at the Royal Society of New Zealand, providing expert scientific advice to the New Zealand Government on environmental sustainability and other topics. He has worked in industry, NGOs, and academia. His current work focuses on the environmental impact of human consumption, including energy, food, and water. Paul is passionate about science outreach and his recent research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and Nature Energy, has appeared in The New York Times, the BBC, and Scientific American.

David Ehrhardt is an Assistant Professor in International Development at Leiden University. With a D.Phil in Development Studies from the University of Oxford, David subsequently worked as a post-doctoral Research Officer in Oxford's Department of International Development. In his current research, he uses qualitative and quantitative research methods to understand the efficacy and development of 'hybrid' governance in Nigeria as well as comparatively. In the past, his research has explored ethnic and religious conflict and cooperation; the development of political authority beyond the state; and the ways in which inequality and governance interact in the formation of group identities and violent conflict. At Leiden, David coordinates a BSc programme in governance, economics, and development.

Thijs Bosker is an Associate Professor in Environmental Science at Leiden University. He obtained a BSc and MSc in Plant Science at Wageningen University (the Netherlands), specializing in sustainable agriculture. Next, he worked for an NGO where he focused on reducing pesticide emissions to the environment. In 2005 he moved to Canada to complete a PhD in aquatic toxicology at the University of New Brunswick. He continued as a postdoctoral fellow at the Canadian Rivers Institute, became an Assistant Professor at the University of Connecticut (USA), before moving to Leiden University. In his current research he uses laboratory and field techniques to study impacts of contaminants on ecosystem health. He has worked on a variety of environmental issues, with a special focus on the combined impacts of contaminants and environmental stressors on reproduction and development of organisms. At Leiden University he coordinates the BSc programme Earth, Energy and Sustainability.

Table of Contents

1:Introduction: can we feed the world sustainably?
PART I: Food and environment
2:Biodiversity: what are the impacts of food production on biodiversity?
3:Pollution: how are food systems related to environmental pollution?
4:Water: how does agriculture impact freshwater resources?
5:Soils: what are the impacts of agriculture on soils?
6:Climate change: how will food systems and the climate interact?
7:Energy: what is the role of energy in food production, and how must it change?
Part II: Food and society
8:Nutrition: how are diets linked to environmental impacts?
9:Food security: what are the challenges in providing everyone accessible, affordable, and healthy food?
10:Food aid: how can food aid effectively reduce food insecurity?
11:Consumption: how can we promote sustainable food consumption?
Part III: Food and governance
12:Food systems: how are food systems organised in a globalized economy?
13:Governance: how can food systems be governed to promote sustainability?
14:Collective action: how do collective action problems hinder the transition to sustainable food systems?
15:Summary: a view toward the future

Reviews

"The most compelling and accessible textbook on the subject to date, which should be mandatory reading on all courses relating to food security and sustainability. This book presents a more thorough, accessible and engaging account of the myriad dimensions of food sustainability than any other book I have used or recommended." - Dr Andrew Jones, University of Warwick

"A well informed and researched text, with an educational focus that will create awareness in the reader of food and agri-business issues. The overview of the subject is much more comprehensive than publications hitherto, in a readable format and appealing style. " - Dr Stephen Chadd, Royal Agricultural University

"The use of case studies grounds conceptual points in real-world examples. " - Professor Aidan Davison, University of Tasmania

Additional Resources

Digital formats and resources

Food and Sustainability is supported by online resources and is available for students and institutions to purchase in a variety of formats.

The e-book offers a mobile experience and convenient access along with functionality tools, navigation features and links that offer extra learning support: www.oxfordtextbooks.co.uk/ebooks

Food and Sustainability is augmented by a range of online resources, which include:

For students:
- Hyperlinks to extended research readings
- Practice quizzes to support independent study
- Answers to in-text questions.

For instructors:
- Downloadable (PowerPoint) figures from the book
- Answer sheets to the end of chapter questions
- Suggested exam questions