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Harvard University

Rethinking the American Diet - Environmental and Health Impacts

Harvard University via YouTube

Overview

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Explore the far-reaching impacts of dietary choices in this thought-provoking lecture by Gidon Eshel, the 2016–2017 Hrdy Fellow at the Radcliffe Institute. Delve into the complex relationships between food, health outcomes, and environmental impact through multi-objective metrics developed in collaboration with scientists from Harvard University. Discover how seemingly simple food decisions can have unexpected consequences on Earth's reflectivity, greenhouse gas emissions, and the beef industry. Learn about potential solutions, including sustainable beef production, alternative protein sources, and the benefits of plant-based diets. Gain insights into Eshel's personal journey and the scientific approach used to analyze the Mean American Diet. Understand the intricate connections between hydrobiogeochemistry and our eating habits, and how rethinking our diets can lead to significant positive changes for both personal health and the planet.

Syllabus

Intro
Agenda
What is rethinking the American diet
How food and dietary choices are related
Hydrobiogeochemistry
End result
Impact on Earth reflectivity
Greenhouse gas emissions
Beef industry
Solution
Gidons personal life
How do you get there
The Mean American Diet
Monte Carlo Solution
Switching to Plants
Sustainable Beef
Current Pasture Land
Alternative Protein Deliveries
Eating

Taught by

Harvard University

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