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Roni Neff,
Becky Ramsing,
Brent Kim,
and
Pamela Rhubart Berg
What we eat and how we produce that food have significant effects on human health and the sustainability of our planet. But what is a ‘sustainable’ diet? A sustainable diet, as defined by the FAO, promotes health and well-being and provides food security for the present population while sustaining human and natural resources for future generations. This short course looks at the urgent need to address the sustainability of our food systems, including better understanding the complex relationship between diet and climate change. We’ll explore current research on dietary shifts needed in high, middle, and low-income countries to achieve both sustainability and food security goals and discuss evidence-based strategies to promote sustainable diets.
Read more
What we eat and how we produce that food have significant effects on human health and the sustainability of our planet. But what is a ‘sustainable’ diet? A sustainable diet, as defined by the FAO, promotes health and well-being and provides food security for the present population while sustaining human and natural resources for future generations. This short course looks at the urgent need to address the sustainability of our food systems, including better understanding the complex relationship between diet and climate change. We’ll explore current research on dietary shifts needed in high, middle, and low-income countries to achieve both sustainability and food security goals and discuss evidence-based strategies to promote sustainable diets.
Read more
What we eat and how we produce that food have significant effects on human health and the sustainability of our planet. But what is a ‘sustainable’ diet? A sustainable diet, as defined by the FAO, promotes health and well-being and provides food security for the present population while sustaining human and natural resources for future generations. This short course looks at the urgent need to address the sustainability of our food systems, including better understanding the complex relationship between diet and climate change. We’ll explore current research on dietary shifts needed in high, middle, and low-income countries to achieve both sustainability and food security goals and discuss evidence-based strategies to promote sustainable diets.
This course is offered by the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future and draws from our graduate-level food systems curriculum at the Bloomberg School of Public Health. You may also be interested in our eight-week flagship Coursera course, “An Introduction to the US Food System: Perspectives from Public Health”.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/qct91y/public
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What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction to Food Systems Sustainability and Public Health
Our food system is much more than a supply chain that brings food from the farm to your plate. What is a food system? How can thinking about food as a system help us understand and address the messy overlapping issues of diet, food production, planetary health and climate change? What does ‘sustainability’ mean, in the context of food systems, and is it the same as resilience? How has COVID-19 pandemic amplified the many challenges faced by vulnerable workers and consumers? Roni Neff addresses these questions – and many more – in this opening series of lectures.
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction to Food Systems Sustainability and Public Health
Our food system is much more than a supply chain that brings food from the farm to your plate. What is a food system? How can thinking about food as a system help us understand and address the messy overlapping issues of diet, food production, planetary health and climate change? What does ‘sustainability’ mean, in the context of food systems, and is it the same as resilience? How has COVID-19 pandemic amplified the many challenges faced by vulnerable workers and consumers? Roni Neff addresses these questions – and many more – in this opening series of lectures.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Delves into a pressing global issue: the sustainability of food systems, with a focus on the intricate link between diet and climate change
Features instructors with expertise in food systems and public health, who provide a comprehensive perspective on this complex topic
Examines global research on dietary shifts in different economic contexts, supporting informed decision-making for sustainable food security
Provides practical strategies for promoting sustainable diets, empowering learners to contribute to positive change
Appropriate for learners with a background in public health, nutrition, or food systems, as it builds upon existing knowledge
Draws from the graduate-level food systems curriculum at Johns Hopkins University, ensuring a high level of academic rigor
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Reviews summary
Public health insights on sustainable diets
According to the course design, learners would gain a foundational understanding of sustainable diets from a public health perspective. The curriculum is structured to explore the complex relationship between diet and climate change, providing insights into evidence-based strategies for promoting healthier food systems. The course, developed by Johns Hopkins University, is expected to offer relevant and timely content on global food security and planetary health, appealing to those seeking a comprehensive overview in this critical area, though its 'short course' format might mean it serves as a solid introduction rather than an in-depth specialization.
Explores sustainable diets through a public health practitioner lens.
"I value the distinct public health perspective on sustainable diets, which is crucial for my career."
"The course helps me understand how different sectors can promote change, particularly from a public health viewpoint."
"Its unique public health framing distinguishes it from other general sustainability courses."
Provides a clear, logical progression through key concepts.
"The module breakdown from introduction to strategies seems to build knowledge effectively."
"I anticipate a well-organized learning journey, covering food systems, climate, and practical application."
"The logical flow from understanding the system to defining sustainable diets, then advancing strategies, is very clear."
Offered by Johns Hopkins University, ensuring academic rigor.
"I appreciate that this course draws from the graduate-level curriculum at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health."
"Being from Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future provides a strong foundation of expertise and research."
"The institutional backing lends significant authority and trust to the course content."
Addresses pressing issues of diet, climate change, and public health.
"This course directly addresses the urgent need to understand the complex relationship between diet and climate change."
"I find the focus on sustainable diets and food systems incredibly timely and crucial for our future."
"The emphasis on both human health and planetary well-being makes the content highly impactful."
A short course offering a foundational, rather than in-depth, overview.
"As a 'short course,' I expect a broad introduction rather than extensive specialized knowledge."
"It draws from a graduate curriculum, so I hope it covers essential concepts thoroughly even if it's not super deep."
"I might need to seek out additional resources if I want to delve into specific aspects beyond the foundational overview."
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 Public Health Perspectives on Sustainable Diets with these
activities:
Review the basics of nutrition
Show steps
By refreshing your knowledge of the basics of nutrition, you will be better prepared to understand the complex relationship between diet and climate change.
Browse courses on
Nutrition
Show steps
-
Read a book or article on the basics of nutrition.
-
Take a quiz or online course on nutrition.
-
Talk to a registered dietitian or other qualified healthcare professional about nutrition.
Calculate your carbon footprint
Show steps
Calculating your carbon footprint will help you understand the environmental impact of your diet.
Show steps
-
Use an online carbon footprint calculator.
-
Track your food consumption for a week and use a calculator to estimate the carbon footprint of your diet.
Read The Sustainable Table by Anya Fernald
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable diets and their impact on the environment.
View
Melania
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book.
-
Take notes on the key points.
-
Discuss the book with a friend or family member.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Attend a workshop on sustainable diets
Show steps
Attending a workshop on sustainable diets will give you the opportunity to learn from experts and network with other people who are interested in the same topics.
Show steps
-
Find a workshop on sustainable diets that you are interested in.
-
Register for the workshop.
-
Attend the workshop and participate in the activities.
Volunteer at a local food bank or community garden
Show steps
Volunteering at a local food bank or community garden will give you hands-on experience with sustainable food systems.
Show steps
-
Find a local food bank or community garden to volunteer at.
-
Contact the organization and ask about volunteering opportunities.
-
Show up to your volunteer shift and help out with whatever tasks are needed.
Write a blog post or article about sustainable diets
Show steps
Writing about sustainable diets will help you process the information you have learned and share it with others.
Show steps
-
Choose a topic that you are interested in.
-
Research your topic.
-
Write your blog post or article.
-
Publish your blog post or article.
Contribute to an open-source project related to food
Show steps
Contributing to an open-source project related to food will help you learn more about sustainable food systems and meet other people who are interested in the same topics.
Show steps
-
Find an open-source project related to food that you are interested in.
-
Contact the project maintainers and ask how you can contribute.
-
Make a contribution to the project.
Review the basics of nutrition
Show steps
By refreshing your knowledge of the basics of nutrition, you will be better prepared to understand the complex relationship between diet and climate change.
Browse courses on
Nutrition
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read a book or article on the basics of nutrition.
- Take a quiz or online course on nutrition.
- Talk to a registered dietitian or other qualified healthcare professional about nutrition.
Calculate your carbon footprint
Show steps
Calculating your carbon footprint will help you understand the environmental impact of your diet.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Use an online carbon footprint calculator.
- Track your food consumption for a week and use a calculator to estimate the carbon footprint of your diet.
Read The Sustainable Table by Anya Fernald
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable diets and their impact on the environment.
View
Melania
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book.
- Take notes on the key points.
- Discuss the book with a friend or family member.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Attend a workshop on sustainable diets
Show steps
Attending a workshop on sustainable diets will give you the opportunity to learn from experts and network with other people who are interested in the same topics.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a workshop on sustainable diets that you are interested in.
- Register for the workshop.
- Attend the workshop and participate in the activities.
Volunteer at a local food bank or community garden
Show steps
Volunteering at a local food bank or community garden will give you hands-on experience with sustainable food systems.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a local food bank or community garden to volunteer at.
- Contact the organization and ask about volunteering opportunities.
- Show up to your volunteer shift and help out with whatever tasks are needed.
Write a blog post or article about sustainable diets
Show steps
Writing about sustainable diets will help you process the information you have learned and share it with others.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic that you are interested in.
- Research your topic.
- Write your blog post or article.
- Publish your blog post or article.
Contribute to an open-source project related to food
Show steps
Contributing to an open-source project related to food will help you learn more about sustainable food systems and meet other people who are interested in the same topics.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find an open-source project related to food that you are interested in.
- Contact the project maintainers and ask how you can contribute.
- Make a contribution to the project.
Career center
Learners who complete Public Health Perspectives on Sustainable Diets will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Public Health Nutritionist
Public Health Nutritionist
A Public Health Nutritionist promotes healthy eating habits in populations. This course may be useful for Public Health Nutritionists as it provides an understanding of the sustainability of food systems, as well as strategies for promoting sustainable diets.
Registered Dietitian
Registered Dietitian
A Registered Dietitian provides nutrition counseling and medical nutrition therapy to individuals and groups. This course may be useful for Registered Dietitians as it covers the relationship between diet and health, as well as strategies for promoting healthy eating habits.
Food Policy Analyst
Food Policy Analyst
A Food Policy Analyst develops and evaluates policies that affect the food system. This course may be useful for Food Policy Analysts as it provides an understanding of the sustainability of food systems, as well as strategies for promoting sustainable diets.
Nutritionist
Nutritionist
A Nutritionist provides advice on diet and nutrition to individuals and groups. This course may be useful for Nutritionists as it covers the relationship between diet and health, as well as strategies for promoting healthy eating habits.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultant
A Sustainability Consultant helps organizations to reduce their environmental impact. This course may be useful for Sustainability Consultants as it provides an understanding of the sustainability of food systems, as well as strategies for promoting sustainable diets.
Health Educator
Health Educator
A Health Educator develops and implements programs that promote healthy behaviors. This course may be useful for Health Educators as it provides an understanding of the relationship between diet and health, as well as strategies for promoting healthy eating habits.
Dietitian
Dietitian
A Dietitian designs balanced and nutritious diets for individuals and groups, taking into account their health needs, preferences, and dietary restrictions. This course may be useful for Dietitians as it covers the relationship between diet and climate change, as well as strategies for promoting sustainable diets.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist
An Epidemiologist investigates the causes and patterns of disease in populations. This course may be useful for Epidemiologists as it covers the relationship between diet and health, as well as strategies for promoting healthy eating habits.
Food Scientist
Food Scientist
A Food Scientist develops new food products and processes. This course may be helpful for Food Scientists as it provides an understanding of the relationship between diet and health, as well as strategies for promoting healthy eating habits.
Community Health Worker
Community Health Worker
A Community Health Worker provides health education and support to individuals and families in their communities. This course may be helpful for Community Health Workers as it provides an understanding of the relationship between diet and health, as well as strategies for promoting healthy eating habits.
Environmental Policy Analyst
Environmental Policy Analyst
An Environmental Policy Analyst analyzes environmental policies and their impact on the environment. This course may be helpful for Environmental Policy Analysts as it provides an understanding of the sustainability of food systems, as well as strategies for promoting sustainable diets.
Environmental Health Scientist
Environmental Health Scientist
An Environmental Health Scientist investigates the relationship between environmental factors and human health. This course may be useful for Environmental Health Scientists as it provides an understanding of the impact of food systems on human health.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientist
An Environmental Scientist conducts research on environmental issues, such as pollution, climate change, and resource management. This course may be helpful for Environmental Scientists as it provides an understanding of the impact of food systems on the environment.
Agricultural Economist
Agricultural Economist
An Agricultural Economist analyzes the economic aspects of food production and distribution. This course may be helpful for Agricultural Economists as it provides an understanding of the sustainability of food systems, as well as strategies for promoting sustainable diets.
Food Service Manager
Food Service Manager
A Food Service Manager plans and directs the operation of food service establishments. This course may be helpful for Food Service Managers as it provides an understanding of the sustainability of food systems, as well as strategies for promoting sustainable diets.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/qct91y/public
Reading list
We've selected nine books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Public Health Perspectives on Sustainable Diets.
Save
Provides a global perspective on food systems sustainability, exploring the challenges and opportunities of feeding a growing population while protecting the environment.
Provides a detailed overview of the China Study, a large-scale study that investigated the relationship between diet and disease.
Save
Provides a critical look at the industrial animal agriculture system, arguing that it threat to human health and the environment.
Save
Provides a journalist's perspective on the challenges and opportunities of feeding a growing population while protecting the environment.
Provides a comprehensive overview of sustainability, including the environmental, social, and economic dimensions.
Provides a comprehensive overview of food policy, including the history, development, and implementation of food policies.
Save
Provides a provocative look at the future of food, arguing that we are facing a global food crisis that will have devastating consequences.
Provides a personal and philosophical exploration of the ethical issues surrounding eating meat.
Save
Provides a practical guide to eating a whole foods diet, which is based on the consumption of unprocessed, plant-based foods.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/qct91y/public
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Rating
4.8
Effort
7 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Johns Hopkins University
Instructors
Roni Neff
Becky Ramsing
Brent Kim
Pamela Rhubart Berg
Language
English
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