Public Health Perspectives on Sustainable Diets

Johns Hopkins University via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/sustainable-diets

Introduction

### Course Review: Public Health Perspectives on Sustainable Diets #### Overview The course titled **Public Health Perspectives on Sustainable Diets** on Coursera is a timely and vital exploration of the intricate relationship between our food systems, human health, and the sustainability of our planet. In a world grappling with environmental degradation and public health challenges, understanding the concept of a "sustainable diet" is crucial. This course provides an in-depth look at what sustainable diets entail, their importance in the context of global food security, and the overarching issues that intertwine food production, diet, and climate change. #### Course Content and Syllabus **1. Introduction to Food Systems Sustainability and Public Health** The course kicks off with a foundational understanding of food systems beyond mere supply chains. Renowned expert Roni Neff takes learners through the complexities of food systems, highlighting how various factors converge, including diet, food production, planetary health, and climate change. This module addresses pressing questions, such as the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable workers and consumers in the food industry. The detailed insights shared foster a holistic understanding of food systems as interconnected webs rather than isolated components. **2. Sustainable Diets and Climate Change** In the second module, Brent Kim dives into what constitutes a sustainable diet. This section challenges conventional perceptions and sheds light on the necessity of sustainable diets through the lens of environmental impact. Kim presents riveting findings on how various diets affect greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption across 140 countries. The engaging content encourages learners to rethink dietary choices in a way that is both surprising and enlightening. **3. Strategies for Advancing Sustainable Diets** The final segment of the course emphasizes actionable strategies for integrating sustainable diets into public health practices. As a registered dietitian, the instructor explores nutritional needs and the challenges of defining a universal "sustainable" diet. The course equips learners with evidence-based communication strategies to advocate for sustainable diets and discusses the critical role of different sectors—government, industry, and communities—in fostering sustainable food environments. #### Learning Experience The course is structured to facilitate an engaging learning experience, combining video lectures, reading materials, and opportunities for reflection and discussion. Not only does it provide theoretical knowledge, but it also emphasizes practical strategies that can be implemented in real-world scenarios. The inclusion of current research and the discussion of global perspectives on sustainable diets make this course relevant for anyone interested in the future of food systems and public health. #### Recommendation I wholeheartedly recommend **Public Health Perspectives on Sustainable Diets** for anyone passionate about food sustainability, public health, or environmental studies. Whether you're a student, a professional in the field, or simply a curious individual looking to expand your knowledge, this course delivers valuable insights and equips you with the tools needed to advocate for change. In today’s world, where the health of our planet and its inhabitants is at stake, understanding and embracing sustainable dietary practices is more important than ever. This course is a crucial stepping stone for those looking to make informed choices and contribute positively to the discourse surrounding sustainable diets and food systems. Take the plunge and enroll today—this course is more than just a learning opportunity; it’s an investment in the future of our health and our planet.

Syllabus

Introduction to Food Systems Sustainability and Public Health

Our food system is much more than a supply chain that brings food from the farm to your plate. What is a food system? How can thinking about food as a system help us understand and address the messy overlapping issues of diet, food production, planetary health and climate change? What does ‘sustainability’ mean, in the context of food systems, and is it the same as resilience? How has COVID-19 pandemic amplified the many challenges faced by vulnerable workers and consumers? Roni Neff addresses these questions – and many more – in this opening series of lectures.

Sustainable Diets and Climate Change

What defines a sustainable diet? Why do sustainable diets matter? And what might sustainable diets look like in the US and around the world? The answers may surprise you. In this engaging and thought-provoking set of lectures, Brent Kim will address these questions and explain recent research that compares the impact of different diets on greenhouse gas emissions and water use across 140 countries.

Strategies for Advancing Sustainable Diets

In our final week, we will explore sustainable diets through the lens of a public health practitioner and registered dietitian. In this series of lectures, we’ll considering nutritional needs and why it is difficult to define a ‘sustainable’ diet for everyone. Then we’ll share evidence-based strategies for communicating about sustainable diets and how different sectors can play a role in advancing change. We hope you have enjoyed this short course! Please be sure to complete the post-course survey and leave us feedback on the Coursera platform.

Overview

What we eat and how we produce that food have significant effects on human health and the sustainability of our planet. But what is a ‘sustainable’ diet? A sustainable diet, as defined by the FAO, promotes health and well-being and provides food security for the present population while sustaining human and natural resources for future generations. This short course looks at the urgent need to address the sustainability of our food systems, including better understanding the complex relationshi

Skills

Nutrition Sustainability Diets food Climate Change

Reviews

The material was excellent. It is clear that a great idea of thought and effort went into the preparation of the course.

Good, concise, effective information. Great lectures and data presentation. Thanks!

Very informative, delivered by top-notch instructors!

All in one word, Coursera is very good, most especially the topic or subject under discussion was great and it thought a very perfect lesson.

informative, inviting, knowledgeable course on making this a better world in terms of bringing about a sustainable healthier environment for all of us and our planet.