Ruminating on sustainable food systems in a net-zero world

Abstract

For as long as sustainable food systems have been on the global agenda, the meaning of ‘sustainable’ has been hotly debated. Discussing the use and abuse of the term sustainability in the food-system context, we select a specific case to illustrate this discussion, examine various sustainability arguments and propose ways forward for reduced meat aligned with local values and global needs. A contextual, transparent and nuanced debate can avoid policies informed by vested interests and straw-man arguments, which can backfire and hurt many of the very interests that the sector and policies aim to protect. In the midst of debates about climate and environmental impacts of meat, this Perspective uses Norway as a case study to frame a more holistic and nuanced approach to sustainable food production.