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University of Copenhagen

Transformation of the Global Food System

The UN predicts we will be 9-10 billion people on Earth in 2050. Providing so many people with nutritious foods is a massive challenge and one that cannot be met by simply upscaling current practices regarding food production and consumption. Providing humanity with nutritional food is at the center of all decisions related to sustainable development. Agriculture is responsible for 80% of global deforestation. The food systems release 29% of global greenhouse gasses. We use an area equivalent to North and South America combined for the production of meat for consumption or to produce the food necessary to feed the animals we eat. 70% of fresh water use is related to agriculture. These figures are staggering, and they show us, that we need to rethink and transform the way we produce, distribute and consume food worldwide. This course focuses on how food systems can become more sustainable. It consists of four modules where each focuses on an essential ingredient towards developing more sustainable food systems: (1) Boosting the small, (2) Transforming the big, (3) Losing less and (4) Eating smarter. In each of these key areas, we will meet people from different countries around the world, who labor every day to find and spread solutions that work. Connecting the challenges that must be overcome to develop a sustainable global food system with the solutions being developed by the amazing group of people you meet in this course has been a huge source of inspiration for me. I truly believe that the global food system can be transformed to sustainably meet the needs of 9-10 billion people and, with this course, I dare you to join me!

Status: Social Impact
Status: Systems Thinking
BeginnerCourse12 hours

Featured reviews

KK

5.0Reviewed Jan 3, 2022

This course has enlightened me about the global food system and how we all as individuals can help to improve and produce sustainable and resilient food systems that can withstand any shock.

JF

5.0Reviewed Jun 16, 2022

Very well designed and produced, is both entertaining and provides you with a fanstastic overview of the topic as well as with in depth documentation. It is brilliant, and inspiring

AM

5.0Reviewed Jul 16, 2024

It was great learning experience. I was able to further improve my knowledge on food systems, food sustainability, and how agriculture plays an important role in the system.

AL

4.0Reviewed Jun 26, 2025

Change in the food system can be lead by organisations, like universities, businesses, non profit organisations etc. But the course doesn't detail the required behavioural or cultural change.

AG

5.0Reviewed May 2, 2022

Great information and instruction! This course opened my eyes to new possibilities and topics that I plan to pursue. Everyone can and should take this course and apply to their lives.

TA

5.0Reviewed Jun 15, 2022

I really learned a lot from this course on Agriculture, Agroforestry, climate change and sustainable food systems. Thank you to all the speakers and contributing authors.

SK

5.0Reviewed Aug 25, 2020

Very interesting course. I recommend it for every person who cares about protecting the environment and who wants to lead a healthier life in a better world for the future generations.

HM

5.0Reviewed Jul 11, 2022

Thank you for giving me very production time and valuable information on transformation of global food system. I understand better now what is my role in this challenging, but possible process.

GG

5.0Reviewed Oct 19, 2020

Very substanstial course 😍 I enjoyed the content so much. Its not like a typical course where teacher is teaching the subject matter. In here, its like you're watching a documentary 😍

AJ

5.0Reviewed Sep 5, 2021

Very interesting and eye-opening course. I like that it showed food systems around the world and presented a well-rounded view of the challenges but also potential solutions that we have.

AN

4.0Reviewed Nov 7, 2022

I really enjoyed taking this course! You get to understand global systems from efforts that have been done from all over the globe. The material was insightful and well-selected.

BC

5.0Reviewed Mar 8, 2021

I really enjoyed this course. There were a lot of great videos and the information was from reliable sources. It also included different areas of the world.

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 266

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