UN CC:Learn and Danone launch an innovative e-learning course on Sustainable Diet to shift mindsets and foster better food choices for the health of people and the planet
Climate Change poses a serious threat to future food supplies because of animal and plant species disappearing at an unprecedented rate. “The loss of biodiversity for food and agriculture is seriously undermining our ability to feed and nourish an ever-growing global population,” says Jose Graziano da Silva, Head of FAO (UN CC:Learn partner). “We need to use biodiversity in a sustainable way so that we can better respond to rising climate change challenges and produce food in a way that doesn’t harm our environment,” he said.
Image: FAO – The State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture
These challenges will transform the way we produce, market and consume food, but for this to happen we must change our relationship with food both as producers and consumers. With a global population of 7 billion people and dwindling natural resources, we, as individuals, businesses, and societies, need to learn to live and act in a sustainable way. This is pushing companies to look for new and more sustainable solutions. They are beginning to understand that this shift is inevitable and are starting to incorporate sustainability in their long-term business strategies. The big change should be implemented at all levels from the supply chain, through the employees to the way consumers are informed and educated. Sustainable food systems are the future of food and agriculture however they require shared solutions and some cross-sectoral collaboration.
Last year UNITAR joined forces with Danone. The partnership aims to support and facilitate the implementation of Agenda 2030 and particularly those goals and targets addressing environmental and health issues. The initiative will empower both Danone’s employees and the UN CC:Learn online community (hosted by UNITAR) with the knowledge and skills needed to take action against climate change by making better-informed food choices.
By highlighting the environmental and social aspects of food production and consumption, the joint initiative is seeking to shift mindsets towards a more sustainable way of living. It is vital to incorporate sustainability into lifestyles and this starts with gaining an awareness of the impact of our everyday dietary choices. The food we eat has a huge effect on both human health and the well-being of our planet. Thoughtful and ethical consumption starts with knowledge, awareness, and information that empowers people to become agents of change by making well-informed choices which positively impact the planet. It is about including sustainable development issues, such as climate change and biodiversity, into consumers’ decision-making. Both the business community and consumers need to contribute.
The partnership between UNITAR/UN CC:Learn and Danone has resulted in a developing an exciting e-learning course which will help Danoners as well as thousands of consumers all over the world to better understand the social and environmental impact of their food choices. Awareness of these issues is a starting point to change our relationship with the planet through our daily choices. The innovative, video-based format includes interviews with sustainability and nutrition experts, food practitioners as well as local farming and food associations. It also features an interview with a renowned Chef Thierry Marx who shared his knowledge and some cooking tips. The course consists of 6 exciting lessons: Better Farming, Buying Food Locally, Is Processed Food Bad?, Reducing Food Waste and Packaging, Reading the Labels, Changing Eating Habits. After completing the course each learner will get a UN-accredited certificate. The final assessment also includes developing an individual sustainable diet plan. The course is now available in English and will soon be delivered also in French, Spanish, Portuguese and Russian.
Are you interested in learning more about sustainable diet and how does it affect the environment? Watch our playlist here
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