Delicate and unsteady

Dr Fahim Chand | Monday October 10, 2022 06:00

One pondered how the internal chemistry of nature’s engine determined its outward manifestation.

Because while I stood beneath the malachite canopy, I felt a gentle breeze caress my skin as if it had been sent by angels from heaven. Its blissful infusion of coolness rejuvenated instantly.

As my heart beat contentedly, my eyes scoped this beautiful jungle. While the surrounding arboreal splendor impressed, you might be surprised to learn that I was a visitor in what was a concrete jungle.

Though unspoiled nature is unsurpassed in its beauty, it takes a rare talent to successfully fuse a city with its natural surroundings. The geographical blueprint for this one consisted of hilly territory bordered by a breathtaking azure ocean. Owing to the sometimes steep hills, navigating this place on foot is not for the elderly or unfit.

While the beautiful architecture and lush surroundings gave this town an aesthetic appeal, a city’s spirit is what really sets it apart. And this place did not disappoint. There is no mania in this metropolis, everything is cool as can be, with an air of serenity enveloping its boundaries. The city’s residents echo the same upscale ambience.

One notices that there is diversity in this place. Not only ethnic distinction, but fashion and orientation. There is no tension in the air, everyone seems to co-exist peacefully. Just as importantly, there is a palpable social conscience here.

Businesses have structured their operations to maximise ESG scores. ESG is a sustainability index designed to measure companies’ environment, social and governance issues.

The average citizen also contributes. Recycling efforts are everywhere. In addition, a sizable portion of Northern California’s car fleet is electric. Teslas and Toyotas are equally commonplace. It is in this socially responsible environment my son Ayaan and I negotiated the hilly terrain to our chosen destination. As we approached, we saw a small crowd milling about the area. We entered the restaurant to enquire about a table.

Thirty minutes later we were seated.

As the restaurants DNA was Italian, there was a large wood burning oven near the centre of the restaurant. Our table was directly in front of this area and as such we were treated to acrobatic displays of pizza dough bases being flung in the air and expertly cradled as gravity held course. While the two chefs were diligent in their travail, they did glance up occasionally and international smiles were exchanged. It was in high anticipation as I readied my cutlery when my Neapolitan style pizza approached.

The bright red San Marzano fuelled pizza sauce held court here. The rosso plane dotted with creamy mozzarella cheese and beautifully punctuated by the greenest basil leaves, all ably supported by a saliva stimulating blistered pizza base. Needless to say the experience was impressive, for you see this was no ordinary restaurant.

This was Del Poppolo in San Francisco, proud owners of a newly bestowed Michelin Bib Gourmand for 2022. And while I am grateful not only for this notable meal, but all meals, some others may not be so lucky. Right now, 325 million people in the world are acutely hungry. Thirty-five million AMERICANS have no idea where their next meal is coming from.

That equates to approximately one in 10 residents of the nation with the largest economy on the planet. The world’s food systems are at best delicate and unsteady, easily tipped over the edge by conflict and climate change. Any future transformation of this system needs to balance our health, the environment and provide an economic return for all stakeholders within the food system.

At a Green conference in San Francisco on September 28, 2022, Etharin Cousin, CEO and Managing Director of Food Systems for the Future, a nutrition impact investment fund, announced a new coalition of investment entities resolving to minimise hunger through technological innovation. The newly formed Food, Nutrition and Investor Health Coalition (FNHIC) plan to distribute 2.5 billion dollars in private investment over the next three years. Global warming causing climate change needs to be addressed.

The environmental changes cause weather systems to behave erratically, disrupting food systems. Hurricane Ian being a prime example. Our current food systems also play a role, contributing about 25% to greenhouse gases. How do we address these issues? Experts emphasised that technological innovation is the key to reducing global hunger-things like cultivating meat and dairy from cells rather than farms.

Cellular agriculture may eventually mean that we culture meat, milk or eggs ourselves by buying the cells from a store and growing them at home. The panel further stated that this eventuality is not a matter of if it occurs, but rather when it occurs. It also commended US President Biden for being the first president to prioritise a commitment to ending global hunger. Though, free flowing cooperation by the 100+ cellular agriculture companies is essential for rapid progress. Human beings are an inseparable part of nature and to live harmoniously with nature we need to understand and accept the non-sentient reality of natural forces. Bon appetit.