Introduction to Food and Our Environment from Coursera

This course is designed to help learners around the world become more sustainable eaters. Course videos can be watched in any order. Feel free to explore special areas of interest by skipping ahead and coming back to less familiar topics at a later stage. Together, we’ll explore key topics, like how food production impacts the environment and why meat production and protein consumption are often at the center of the debate around sustainability. We’ll introduce the pros and cons of different kinds of agriculture, fishing and food packaging, with a focus on how we can make more environmentally friendly decisions on a daily basis. We’ll also look ahead and explore some of the technology innovations that could become increasingly important as we look at the future of food for a growing global population. If this is the first course you’ve ever taken on food and sustainable eating, you’ll come away with concrete tips for how you can make food choices that will protect the world we hand over to the next generation. Our planet needs many people making small changes in the right direction and we’re here to help with that. If you’re an expert in food sustainability, we hope to offer you some tools that could help you to communicate key messages to others in simple, digestible ways. Whatever your level, we hope you’ll join this discussion as we explore, together, the ways in which we can all become more sustainable eaters.

The beautiful story animations were scripted by Lucas Oliver Oswald and animated by Janine Van Schoor.

Special thanks to: Lucas Oliver Oswald, William Bottini, Desiree Labeaud, Christopher Gardner, Sejal Parekh, Arielle Wenokur, Janine Van Schoor, Ann Doerr, Perry Pickert and the fantastic team at Friday Films.

What's inside

Syllabus

Eating for Our Health and the Health of Our Planet

This week, we’ll learn about what it means to be a sustainable eater, by exploring the guiding principles of sustainable eating as published by the World Health Organization. We’ll examine how our food choices shape our health and the health of our planet and why protein is often at the center of the debate.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores the environmental impact of food production and consumption, which is standard in industry

Offers practical tips for making sustainable food choices, which can help learners lead more environmentally conscious lives

Taught by Maya Adam, MD, who is recognized for her work in sustainable eating

Develops core skills for sustainable eating, which are relevant to personal growth and development

Examines different types of agriculture, fishing, and food packaging, which is highly relevant to sustainable eating

Takes a creative approach to the topic of sustainable eating, which may add color to other topics and subjects

Reviews summary

Practical guide to sustainable food choices

Learners say "Introduction to Food and Our Environment" is a highly accessible and engaging course that provides a comprehensive overview of how food choices impact the planet. Students frequently praise its practical, actionable tips for sustainable eating, making it easy to apply concepts to daily life. The course is noted for its clear, concise instruction and delightful animations, simplifying complex topics. While many appreciate its broad coverage, some learners found the depth of content to be a bit general or simplistic, wishing for more in-depth scientific data. A few reviews also highlight a perceived bias towards plant-based diets. Overall, it serves as an excellent foundational course for anyone new to food sustainability.

Prioritizes individual choices over broader systemic solutions.

"Good course for awareness, but I felt it slightly lacked practical solutions for systemic issues. It focuses a lot on individual choices..."

"I learned about how to make more environmentally friendly decisions on a daily basis, but was hoping for more about policy or larger industry changes."

Presents complex topics in an easy-to-understand and captivating way.

"Excellent course! The instructors were clear and concise, making complex topics digestible."

"The animated stories were a great way to convey information... it simplifies complex issues without oversimplifying them."

"Absolutely essential learning for anyone who eats! ...highly engaging and easy-to-understand format. The animations are wonderful."

Offers concrete, actionable tips for sustainable eating habits.

"This course was absolutely fantastic! ...I especially appreciated the focus on practical, actionable tips rather than just abstract concepts."

"The tips on reducing my personal carbon footprint through food choices were invaluable. The instructors made learning enjoyable."

"This course provided me with concrete steps to reduce my environmental footprint through diet. I've already started applying many of the tips."

Some learners perceived a bias towards plant-based diets.

"The course has some good points, but it feels a bit biased towards plant-based diets. While I understand the environmental arguments..."

"Disappointing. The course seemed more focused on promoting a specific dietary agenda (plant-based) rather than providing a balanced environmental perspective."

Provides a wide overview but may lack in-depth scientific detail.

"While the course provides a good overview, some topics felt a little too general, and I would have liked more in-depth scientific data..."

"My main critique is that while it covered a broad range of topics, it didn't go very deep into any single one. It serves well as a foundational course."

"For someone with a science background, I found myself wishing for more scientific detail and less general discussion."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Food and Our Environment with these activities:

Read 'The Omnivore's Dilemma' by Michael Pollan

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the industrial food system and its impact on health, the environment, and society.

View The Botany of Desire Young Readers Edition on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on key concepts and arguments presented.

Review summary and critical analysis

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Summarizing and critically analyzing course materials helps to improve retention, and strengthens analytical skills.

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Identify key concepts and summarize them in your own words.
Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments and evidence presented.

Review the basics of nutrition

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Review the fundamental principles of nutrition to create a solid foundation for this course.

Browse courses on Nutrition

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Read a book or article on the basics of nutrition.
Take an online quiz or assessment to test your knowledge.

Two other activities

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Show all five activities

Calculate your own carbon footprint

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Calculating your own carbon footprint will help you understand the environmental impact of your food choices.

Browse courses on Carbon Footprint

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Find a carbon footprint calculator online.
Enter your data into the calculator.
Review your results and identify areas where you can reduce your impact.

Write a blog post about sustainable eating

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Creating a blog post will help you to synthesize and communicate your knowledge about sustainable eating.

Browse courses on Sustainable Eating

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Choose a topic for your blog post.
Research your topic.
Write your blog post.
Publish your blog post.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Food and Our Environment will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sustainability Manager

A Sustainability Manager is a professional who helps organizations implement sustainable practices and reduce their environmental impact. This course can help Sustainability Managers understand the environmental impact of food production and consumption, and how to make more sustainable choices. Additionally, the course can help Sustainability Managers communicate key messages about sustainability to others in simple, digestible ways.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and develop solutions to environmental problems. This course can help Environmental Scientists understand the environmental impact of food production and consumption, and how to develop more sustainable practices. Additionally, the course can help Environmental Scientists communicate key messages about sustainability to others in simple, digestible ways.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Food Scientist

Food Scientists develop new food products and processes, and ensure the safety and quality of food. This course can help Food Scientists understand the environmental impact of food production and consumption, and how to develop more sustainable food products and processes. Additionally, the course can help Food Scientists communicate key messages about sustainability to others in simple, digestible ways.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food Scientist

Nutritionist

Nutritionists help people improve their health through diet and lifestyle changes. This course can help Nutritionists understand the environmental impact of food production and consumption, and how to make more sustainable dietary recommendations. Additionally, the course can help Nutritionists communicate key messages about sustainability to others in simple, digestible ways.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nutritionist

Dietitian

Dietitians help people manage their health and nutrition. This course can help Dietitians understand the environmental impact of food production and consumption, and how to make more sustainable dietary recommendations. Additionally, the course can help Dietitians communicate key messages about sustainability to others in simple, digestible ways.

See salaries and explore the career path for Dietitian

Public Health Nutritionist

Public Health Nutritionists work to improve the health of communities through nutrition education and policy changes. This course can help Public Health Nutritionists understand the environmental impact of food production and consumption, and how to develop more sustainable nutrition policies and programs. Additionally, the course can help Public Health Nutritionists communicate key messages about sustainability to others in simple, digestible ways.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nutritionist

Health Educator

Health Educators help people make healthy choices and improve their health. This course can help Health Educators understand the environmental impact of food production and consumption, and how to incorporate sustainability into their health education programs. Additionally, the course can help Health Educators communicate key messages about sustainability to others in simple, digestible ways.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

Environmental Educator

Environmental Educators teach people about the environment and how to protect it. This course can help Environmental Educators understand the environmental impact of food production and consumption, and how to incorporate sustainability into their educational programs. Additionally, the course can help Environmental Educators communicate key messages about sustainability to others in simple, digestible ways.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Educator

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help organizations implement sustainable practices and reduce their environmental impact. This course can help Sustainability Consultants understand the environmental impact of food production and consumption, and how to make more sustainable recommendations to their clients. Additionally, the course can help Sustainability Consultants communicate key messages about sustainability to others in simple, digestible ways.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Food Policy Analyst

Food Policy Analysts research and develop policies that affect the food system. This course can help Food Policy Analysts understand the environmental impact of food production and consumption, and how to develop more sustainable food policies. Additionally, the course can help Food Policy Analysts communicate key messages about sustainability to others in simple, digestible ways.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food Policy Analyst

Food Journalist

Food Journalists write and report on food-related issues. This course can help Food Journalists understand the environmental impact of food production and consumption, and how to write more sustainable food articles. Additionally, the course can help Food Journalists communicate key messages about sustainability to others in simple, digestible ways.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food Journalist

Chef

Chefs prepare and cook food. This course can help Chefs understand the environmental impact of food production and consumption, and how to make more sustainable choices in the kitchen. Additionally, the course can help Chefs communicate key messages about sustainability to their customers and staff.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chef

Food Service Manager

Food Service Managers oversee the operation of food service establishments. This course can help Food Service Managers understand the environmental impact of food production and consumption, and how to make more sustainable choices in their operations. Additionally, the course can help Food Service Managers communicate key messages about sustainability to their staff and customers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food Service Manager

Registered Dietitian

Registered Dietitians help people manage their health and nutrition. This course may be useful for Registered Dietitians who want to learn more about the environmental impact of food production and consumption, and how to make more sustainable dietary recommendations. Additionally, the course can help Registered Dietitians communicate key messages about sustainability to their clients and patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Registered Dietitian

Environmental Lawyer

Environmental Lawyers specialize in environmental law and represent clients in environmental cases. This course may be useful for Environmental Lawyers who want to learn more about the environmental impact of food production and consumption, and how to develop more sustainable environmental policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Lawyer