Why Is Our Work Critical
Global Populations
Global populations are facing growing economic, social and environmental challenges. The past decade witnessed a rise in hunger, malnutrition, conflicts, economic crisis, inequalities, and epidemics. This is compounded by the climate dilemma, biodiversity tragedy, and expanding pollution and ecosystem loss. The COVID pandemic intensified the situation and exposed many of the weaknesses of the current industrialized development approach, particularly the vulnerabilities within our food system.
While views differ on the depth and scale of needed changes to address the converging crises and simultaneously eradicating poverty, hunger, malnutrition and inequality, most agree that an inclusive and sustainable future requires transforming our economies and societies. Business as usual is no longer an option!
Global Food System
The global food system is driving multiple environmental stresses. It is the primary freshwater consumer, spans over half of the planet’s habitable area, accounts for 80% of land conversion and biodiversity loss including the collapse of major aquatic ecosystems. It emits 30% of total anthropogenic GHG emissions, responsible for soil degradation, water pollution and depletion. Yet, hunger is on the rise and more than 700 million people go to bed on an empty stomach not knowing where their next meal is coming from, 3 billion cannot afford a healthy diet. Two billion individuals suffer micronutrient deficiencies, are overweight or obese, with non-communicable diseases on the rise.
Conversely, transforming our food system can be our best bet at restoration, regeneration and resilience. What foods do we grow? How do we grow it? What do we consume? How much do we consume? How much do we lose and waste? Are all critical choices with transformational impacts on the health of people and the planet.
What We Aim To
The needed change cannot be pursued by governments, institutions or individuals in isolation, it requires a consolidated collective effort by all to change both production and consumption patterns. It requires a change in mindset, business culture and how we go about our daily life and business.
Thriving Solutions aim to inspire and support individuals, institutions, societies identify how they can contribute to this collective effort, develop actionable strategies and roadmaps, and implement measures that help us transition to sustainable, resilient and just pathways.