Plant Based Diets: Food for a Sustainable Future

An intermediate-level course by WageningenX

Course Description

"Plant Based Diets: Food for a Sustainable Future" is an empowering and insightful course that explores the crucial connection between our food choices, global health, and environmental sustainability. This course delves into three major global challenges: climate change, infectious diseases, and chronic diseases, demonstrating how the food on our plates directly impacts these issues.

What You'll Learn

  • The intricate relationship between food choices, chronic diseases, the environment, and infectious diseases
  • Systems thinking and the difference between holistic and reductionist approaches
  • Health and environmental benefits of plant-based nutrition
  • How plant-based diets can potentially prevent future infectious diseases
  • Direct and indirect drivers of our food choices
  • How consumers can initiate bottom-up change in the food system
  • The impact of individual food choices on personal well-being and global challenges

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of natural sciences is recommended. However, the content is designed to be accessible to a wide range of learners, from ambitious individuals to students, experts, and professionals interested in health, nutrition, environmental sustainability, systems thinking, and the future of food.

Course Content

  • Introduction to global challenges and systems thinking
  • The food-climate connection and environmental impact of dietary choices
  • Relationship between food choices and viral pandemics
  • Link between dietary habits and chronic diseases
  • Consumer engagement and bottom-up food system change
  • Holistic solutions for a sustainable food future
  • Practical application of course knowledge through a capstone assignment

Who This Course is For

  • Health-conscious individuals seeking to improve their well-being
  • Environmental advocates looking to reduce their carbon footprint
  • Students and professionals in nutrition, health, and environmental fields
  • Anyone curious about the connection between diet, health, and sustainability
  • Individuals interested in contributing to solving complex global challenges

Real-World Applications

  1. Making informed food choices to improve personal health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases
  2. Reducing individual carbon footprint and environmental impact through dietary changes
  3. Advocating for sustainable food systems in local communities and organizations
  4. Educating others about the benefits of plant-based diets for health and the environment
  5. Implementing sustainable food practices in professional settings
  6. Contributing to policy discussions on food, health, and environmental sustainability
  7. Developing innovative solutions for sustainable food production and consumption

Syllabus

  • Module 1: Introduction to the Global Challenges & Systems Thinking
  • Module 2: Food Choices and the Environment
  • Module 3: Food Choices and Viral Pandemics
  • Module 4: Food Choices and Chronic Disease
  • Module 5: Food Choices and Consumer Engagement
  • Module 6: Proposed Holistic Solution
  • Week 7: Capstone Assignment

This comprehensive course offers a unique opportunity to explore the interconnectedness of our food choices, health, and the environment. By embracing plant-based diets and understanding their impact on global challenges, learners will be equipped to make meaningful changes in their lives and contribute to a more sustainable future for all.