Food for Thought: Global or Local

The UK is two-thirds self-sufficient in food production, but is this enough? Should we eat more local and seasonal produce, and if we do what are the limits and benefits of a local compared to a global diet? Do strawberries in winter delight you or are our dietary demands becoming unreasonable?

How has our diet changed in our globalised economy and what might we be eating in the future?

Join us to explore where our food comes from and how this is linked to water use in a climate changing world.

Does it matter where our food is grown?

Our speakers will introduce you to a new way of thinking about the way we source our food now and for the future.

WWF-UK water footprint researcher Ashok Chapagain will look at the issues related to sustainable consumption and fresh water alongside the additional impacts on the environment.

Toby Quantrill, Head of Public Policy at the Fairtrade Foundation, will discuss the link between fair trade and local food as ethical consumers have faced the dilemma of deciding which to buy.

Paul Smyth - creator of FARM:shop, the world’s first ‘urban farming hub’, based in Dalston - will talk about the concept of his shop and how urban farming is on the rise.

Speakers:

Dr Ashok Chapagain, WWF-UK
Toby Quantrill, Fairtrade Foundation
Paul Smyth, somethingandson,

Facilitator:

Julie Hill, Associate, Green Alliance and author of 'The Secret Life of Stuff'.

This event is part of the Climate Changing programme, which is supported by:

Principal sponsors Shell and Siemens

Major sponsor Bank of America Merrill Lynch and major funder The Garfield Weston Foundation

With additional support from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Patrons of the Science Museum and members of the Founders Circle: Climate Changing programme.

To find out about more thought-provoking events look out for the latest listings: www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/climatechanging