Food production has transformed our planet, with 40% of the land surface used for agriculture. Freshwater and soils are under threat, and many fisheries over-exploited. Millions of smallholders face economic uncertainty, whilst just four transnationals control global grain supply. By 2050, we must feed 9 billion, in the face of a changing climate.

Launching on Monday 14th October, to tie in with the UN FAO World Food Day on 16th October, this new MOOC will enable participants to learn about the above challenges and explore promising solutions. Experts from a range of academic disciplines, including Professsor Matt Lobley, Professor Harry G West and Professor Michael Winter OBE from the CRPR, will guide you through the global food system, from individual food choice to the impacts of agriculture on climate change.

Over the course of 6 weeks, the MOOC will explore the following topics:

Diets and Health

• Changing food cultures
• Diets for personal and planetary health
• The drivers of eating behaviour

Impacts of Production

• How crops have changed the planet
• Over-fishing and fisheries
• Livestock farming and the environment

Food Security

• Adapting to climate change
• Conserving our soils
• Novel technologies

Food Governance

• Empowering farmers and smallholders
• Food as a commodity
• Ecosystem services