A new convergent science framework for food system sustainability in an uncertain climate

Transforming food systems in ways that ensure healthy and sustainable diets for all requires bold novel actions that support evidence-based polices, investment, and decision making. New approaches that link different forms of science together and engage stakeholders as partners, while connecting those science multipliers with policy innovations in the real world, are required. Convergence science can meet this demand by addressing systemic interdependencies and synergies, as well as catalyzing actionable solutions for food systems transformation. AbstractThe complexity and interconnectivity of food systems and climate requires new thinking and research designs that better address the real-world challenges of securing the resilience and sustainability of human and environmental systems. Central to such an approach is coherent action across sectors and scales. Although inter-and transdisciplinary approaches are widely discussed, no convergence model exists to detect and prepare for food system vulnerabilities emerging from disruptions in climate systems, or to address the contributions to climate change from food system functions. Convergence research is critical to solving these vexing dynamics by integrating knowledge from multiple scientific domains to inform societal action. Here, we present a new convergent science model that incorporates four key components at the global, national and local level. Through the newly created Food and Climate Systems Transformation Alliance,...
Source: Food and Energy Security - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: COMMENTARY Source Type: research