In this episode, Adam interviews Professor Paul Behrens of the Oxford Martin School at the University of Oxford about his path from atmospheric physics and wind energy to food-systems research and a “great food transformation.” Professor Behrens explains how a biophysical lens clarifies the food system’s land, energy, and nutrient constraints, noting that food production dominates landscapes and that shifting high-income-country diets toward the EAT-Lancet planetary health diet could cut food emissions by around 61% and free land near the size of Europe for nature recovery and carbon drawdown. They discuss farmer livelihoods, consolidation, and how diet change can improve food security around the world. Behrens also addresses equity, US food deserts, and using wellbeing metrics that go beyond Gross Domestic Product in evaluating outcomes.
Links from the episode:
The Oxford Martin School Future of Food Programme
The EAT Lancet 2025 Summary Report
Dietary environmental impacts and quality differ by socio-demographic characteristics
Credits:
Podcast name and design: Laurie S
Theme Song: Tyler J
Recording, Editing, Producing: Adam Shriver
