Richmond, B.C. – Food matters. Each day people make decisions about what to eat, where to eat, and how to eat. Those decisions shape a food system susceptible to climate change while simultaneously responsible for a third of global greenhouse gas emissions.
In the latest installment in the Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) Science World Speaker Series, agriculturist and KPU instructor, Dr. Mike Bomford presents practical personal choices and government policy changes to help promote a just, resilient, ecologically-integrated food system.
“People living in urban areas, particularly Metro Vancouver, are already changing the way they eat,” said Bomford. “We are increasingly replacing red meat with white meat and selecting organically-grown products. These decisions offer tremendous environmental benefits when you take into consideration our exploding population and the demand that places on our food system.”
Metro Vancouver’s population has increased more than ten-fold over the past century, straining the region’s ability to provide food for the city, and increasing dependence on food imports. The city’s future growth patterns will shape the environmental impact of the systems that provide food for the city. The availability and affordability of farmland for regional food production depends on urban densification, rather than sprawl. Densification can also improve the efficiency of food distribution, and reduce the energy needed to get food from farm to plate.
Cool Eats: The City Slicker’s Diet for a Warming Planet takes place Monday, Feb. 6, 2017 at 7 p.m. at the Melville Centre on KPU’s Richmond campus. The event is free and open to the general public, but registration is requested. To register and learn more, visit kpu.ca/scienceworld.
This speaker series is a partnership between KPU and Science World that supports the expansion of science in our communities. This free public series works to engage, entertain and educate guests with fascinating insights into the world of science.
About Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has served the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 learners. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs in business, liberal arts, design, health, science and horticulture, trades and technology, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 120 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at kpu.ca.
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