Understanding the Politics of Global Warming and the Impact on Food Choices

Description

Dr. Donald Layman is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He served on the faculty at the University of Illinois from 1977 – 2012 and served as department head of nutrition and associate Dean of Agriculture. Dr. Layman earned his doctorate in human nutrition and biochemistry at the University of Minnesota, and he is internationally recognized for protein research.

Climate Change is a reality, but the causes and solutions remain controversial.  Agriculture has become a target of this debate with many advocating more plant-based diets.  This presentation will evaluate the impact of animal agriculture on climate change and its role in developing a healthy and sustainable food system.

Objectives:
1. Define the impact of U.S. agriculture on climate change.
2. Evaluate three critical questions for the climate change debate:
     a. How should we evaluate GHGE for agriculture?
     b. Is the diet with the least climate impact compatible with optimal health?
     c. What is the optimal use of land for food production?
3. Examine options and ramifications for changes in agriculture.

This Webinar was sponsored by the New England Dairy Council. This project was funded in part by the CT Milk Promotion Board.