Weather & Bites: How the Sky Shapes Our Snacks!
In facing the challenges of climate change that impact food security, it is crucial for young generations to understand sustainable food systems. This issue was a key focus at COP 28 in 2023, highlighting the urgent role of agriculture in addressing the climate crisis. Adolescence (starting at age 10) is an ideal time to introduce the concept of sustainability, as it is a critical stage in cognitive and social development.
Teaching teenagers about sustainable food systems offers several benefits:
- Building Lifelong Habits – Helps them adopt responsible consumption habits, such as reducing food waste and choosing local products.
- Raising Environmental Awareness – Understanding the impact of food systems on climate change and natural resources fosters their environmental consciousness.
- Addressing Future Food Security Challenges – Equips future generations with knowledge and tools to tackle food supply challenges in a growing population.
- Encouraging a Healthy Lifestyle – Understanding the link between sustainability and personal health helps them make healthier food choices.
- Empowering Them to Drive Change – Provides teenagers with insights to actively participate in climate action and sustainability through food choices and social activism.
To support this, TAU is piloting the Learning About Food and Weather for Students program, aimed at providing a fundamental understanding of how weather changes affect food production and their impact on producers and consumers. This initial step is part of Community Engagement Initiatives and is expected to help students develop a deeper understanding of sustainable food systems.