The global climate crisis has been a pressing issue for decades, with rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation threatening the very survival of our planet. While there have been numerous discussions and debates on how to address this crisis, one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is the role of food in the climate discourse. However, activist Juliana Kerexu Mirim Mariano reminds us that food is not just a basic need for survival, but it is also deeply connected to our land, traditions, and spirituality. In her words, “If we do not have our land and healthy territory, we do not have healthy food, and without food, we do not survive.” This statement holds a powerful truth that must be acknowledged and integrated into the global climate conversation.
Food is the foundation of life, and it is essential for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. However, the current industrialized food system has led to the production of unhealthy and unsustainable food, which not only harms our health but also contributes to the climate crisis. The use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and monoculture farming practices has depleted our soil, polluted our water sources, and caused deforestation. This has not only disrupted the delicate balance of our ecosystems but has also led to the loss of biodiversity and traditional farming practices.
Moreover, the global food system is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbating the climate crisis. The transportation, processing, and packaging of food require a significant amount of energy, and the long-distance transportation of food from one corner of the world to another has a massive carbon footprint. This unsustainable food system not only harms the environment but also perpetuates social and economic injustices, with small-scale farmers and indigenous communities bearing the brunt of its consequences.
In contrast, traditional and indigenous food systems have a deep connection with the land and are rooted in sustainable practices. These systems have been developed over centuries and are based on the principles of biodiversity, conservation, and community. They not only provide healthy and nutritious food but also support the local economy and preserve cultural traditions. However, these systems have been marginalized and threatened by the dominant industrialized food system, which promotes monoculture farming and the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
It is time to shift the focus of the global climate discourse to food and recognize its critical role in addressing the climate crisis. We need to move away from the industrialized food system and embrace sustainable and regenerative practices that align with our ancestry and local traditions. This means supporting small-scale farmers, promoting agroecology, and preserving traditional knowledge and practices. It also means rejecting GMOs and promoting organic and locally grown food.
Furthermore, we must also acknowledge the spiritual aspect of food and its connection to our land and traditions. Food is not just a physical nourishment, but it also has a cultural and spiritual significance. It is a way of connecting with our ancestors, our community, and the land. Traditional food practices are deeply rooted in spirituality, and they reflect our relationship with nature and our understanding of the interconnectedness of all living beings. By embracing our traditional food systems, we can not only promote physical health but also nourish our souls and reconnect with our cultural heritage.
In conclusion, food must become a centerpiece in the global climate discourse, and it is not just about any food, but healthy food that aligns with our ancestry and local traditions and spirituality. We cannot address the climate crisis without addressing the food crisis, and we cannot have healthy food without a healthy land and territory. It is time to prioritize sustainable and regenerative food systems that promote biodiversity, support local communities, and preserve our cultural heritage. Let us heed the words of Juliana Kerexu Mirim Mariano and recognize that without our land and healthy territory, we cannot have healthy food, and without food, we cannot survive. It is time to give food the attention and importance it deserves in the global climate discourse.
