The human population recently exceeded 7.5 billion, and no foreseen growth cap is in sight. The world’s population, at current rates, could very well reach some 9-10 billion as early as mid-century. What’s common about all humans is food consumption as a basic necessity for life. According to a recent [report](https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2018/10/10/how-will-or-billion-people-eat-without-destroying-environment/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.f8d75a398555), a sustainable food environment to meet the population’s growing needs is going to require drastic reforms from current measures. 

The global food supply is constantly shifting along a continuum with several moving parts comprising the entire system. The complex relationship with the environment and human health calls for drastic changes if Earth is to remain a safe and habitable place for humanity in coming years. Current methods of producing, distributing, and consuming food are not necessarily the most eco-friendly. Sustainability efforts must be undertaken on an international level for this spiraling trend to slow, and potentially reverse from its current tract. 

![foodrules_spices.jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmS269eSqRNP23FXxrLUApQpY4YcWV3HgWaWHpHJL9uxV9)
[Source](https://grist.org/article/food-2010-11-22-how-do-you-eat-well-share-your-food-rules/)


In other words, more friendly plant-based diets as opposed to meat-based must be accepted. Achieving this on a broad scale is not going to be easy, but if human existence is to thrive for centuries to come, then I’m afraid it may be the only alternative. 

Meat consumption has devastating impacts on global climate change. Global warming is generally associated with the burning of fossil fuels, but a slew of factors plays a distressing role in this equation— food production being one such variable.

Climate and energy go hand in hand when it comes to Earth’s warming temperatures. Better control of energy inputs and outputs is extremely important for curbing warmer temperatures, but just as important; however, is transforming our food system. As the demand for food intensifies, we will be challenged to feed the entire population in a more sustainably responsible manner. 

We rely heavily on agriculture for food and produce, and feeding livestock for humanity has become one of the leading factors contributing to global climate change. For instance, when cows digest food they produce an extremely potent greenhouse gas known as methane. Reducing methane in the global food system will require drastic changes in the way livestock are being fed, and – more importantly, shifts in human dietary measures. 

![livestock.jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmUzjav21KxoHMvraonvRZ8w8eboNGJza58aMvgYyEsSKB)
[Source](https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2000186822/why-the-new-organic-livestock-farming-method-is-taking-the-world-by-storm)


A large percentage of Earth’s land is already being used for livestock. And as the population continues to grow, deforestation will continue to intensify the need for more cropland. All of these issues add to the problem and also intensify the need for not only food, but water used for agricultural purposes and human consumption as well. 

A synergistic commitment of sustainable measures toward continuous improvement must be made. It remains evident that the distribution of food is also unevenly distributed throughout populations. Many people remain malnourished due to a lack of access to safe and healthy foods. Many questions remain in the fight for a sustainable food environment. One thing for certain, though, is that change needs to happen quickly before the problem compounds, and- more importantly, before it’s too late.