Max Sano

Gabriel R. Valle’s Gardening on the Margins underscores the importance of engaging in anthropological research through community building in a way that resonates with my entry into food systems research. In embedding himself in Santa Clara Valley, he had the chance to meet with members of the La Mesa Verde community, many of whom are community gardeners who entered community gardening not just out of necessity to meet their needs but also through an “ethic of care,” which the author defines as… Show more

Gabriel R. Valle’s Gardening on the Margins underscores the importance of engaging in anthropological research through community building in a way that resonates with my entry into food systems research. In embedding himself in Santa Clara Valley, he had the chance to meet with members of the La Mesa Verde community, many of whom are community gardeners who entered community gardening not just out of necessity to meet their needs but also through an “ethic of care,” which the author defines as “caring for others and the relationships that caring creates … make us human” (p. 8). Show less

From supporting education to providing funding opportunities, the massive legislative package can ensure a more just, inclusive farm landscape.

“No Justice, No Sleep” was one of the signature chants sung last week at the March to End all Fossil Fuels, but this line represents a subtle, yet frustrating, truth about youth-led climate action – making time for rest and reflection can feel cumbersome when trying to address the climate crisis.

In northern Louisiana, the organization Shreveport Green is working to address shortcomings in local and regional food systems and ensure that communities have access to fresh, nutritious food.

AGROMIX, a European Union-based project, is working to create more farmer-to-farmer relationships through the creation of a collaborative, digital learning tool. This movement of farmers, researchers, and policy advocates look to center the perspective of farmers in EU agricultural policies.

To combat wildfire outbreaks, Greek farmers and outreach programs are working to demonstrate that regenerative agricultural practices offer a solution by improving soil health and increasing water retention.

Food Trails, a project based in countries across the European Union, is transforming urban food systems. Founded as a collaborative initiative of the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact and the EuroCities Working Group on Food Systems, Food Trails works with eleven partner cities. These cities are called “living labs” to inspire policy innovations.

An original photo-essay on connecting with family, nature, and figs.

The International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food) released a special report sounding the alarm on global food insecurity and debt crises. The report finds that 349 million people are facing acute starvation and many more will experience hunger with food prices remaining at historic highs and countries failing to meet debt repayments.

The Blackwood Educational Land Institute is a regenerative farm based in Hempstead, Texas working to engage young people through community-powered agriculture.

A recent series of deadly earthquakes hit Turkey and Syria and their aftershocks felt in Lebanon, Israel, Iraq, and Jordan, resulting in over 20,000 confirmed casualties and injuries, according to reports by the Turkish Ministry of Health and The Guardian. Many nonprofit and volunteer organizations are providing immediate food assistance.

There is one statistic that lingers in the mind of an aspiring food policy advocate. The US Geological Survey reported in 2018 that agriculture accounted for a majority of water consumption in the Colorado River Basin (CRB) region, excluding water moving out of the basin and hydroelectric energy use, averaging 85% from 1985 to 2010.

During the Davos 2023 Conference hosted by the World Economic Forum, speakers highlighted the need for investment in small-scale farmers, regenerative agriculture, and data technologies. The Conference brought together academics, governments, businesses, nonprofits, artists, advocacy organizations, and other parties to discuss pressing issues of the day, with food security and food systems discourse on the menu.

Be it food waste or immigration, 2022 brought about several important policy reforms that are relevant to food systems and food justice discourse.

Located in Mid-Manhattan, the New York Public Library has taken over a century-old practice of seed saving and distribution. Could seed libraries one day prevent a food crisis in our cities?

Eco-anxiety is truly a unique mental health phenomenon in that it is not something that previous generations have had to fully grapple with until the current moment. Simply put, it is the feeling of anxiety due to environmental disasters or the existential nature of climate change.

Why is it important to talk about the differences in opinion on wildlife conservation and preserving the inherent character of natural lands in a world that is under siege by the global capitalist machine?

Extractive economies that reinforce these oppressive systems of command and control have been imprinted into the head spaces of the ruling financial and political elite as the end-all, be-all solution to improving quality of life for humanity. Due to these cultural setbacks, youth leaders and advocates around the world are frustrated about the lack of action their governments are taking on climate change. One such group in Ghana has been incredibly active in terms of transitioning local and… Show more

Extractive economies that reinforce these oppressive systems of command and control have been imprinted into the head spaces of the ruling financial and political elite as the end-all, be-all solution to improving quality of life for humanity. Due to these cultural setbacks, youth leaders and advocates around the world are frustrated about the lack of action their governments are taking on climate change. One such group in Ghana has been incredibly active in terms of transitioning local and regional economies and communities to more sustainable mechanisms and relationships between people and the planet.

Founded in 2014, Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) pursues a holistic path to mobilize and engage youth voices in Ghana in order to challenge climate change and introduce a circular economy to the region. Show less

While analyzing the problems in this system is important, I also present solutions that are already in practice in the US and the world.

What is precision agriculture? How can the use of drone technology, information services and artificial intelligence assist farmers in maximizing their productivity while emphasizing sustainability?

The cultural and ecological significance of cedar trees in Lebanon are at risk by the human negligence and anthropogenic climate change. It will take the work of grassroots organizations to work on conservation and restoration.

Why do people continue to go hungry in one of the wealthiest nations in the world? And what can we do about the food system to prevent this from happening?

The combination of experiences from environmental and engineering sciences, coupled with working in nature and water systems, left a permanent, venerable impact on my relationship with the natural world.

In order for the United States to deal with the climate crisis, we must empower disproportionately affected communities, particularly communities of color, by including their voices in the government and development process.

Bhutan, a small nation located in the Himalayan mountains, offset its carbon emissions more than what it produces (AKA carbon negativity) because of four key policy decisions.

Article that discusses five tips to foster green activism on your college campus. If you are interested in Sustainability and green activism, but it is does not have a strong presence at your college campus, than this is a great piece for you!