Food Systems Analysis

The Methods for Analysis of Food Systems and Climate course is a required course for the Climate and Food Systems Certificate. Building on the core knowledge provided in the Global Food Trade, Shocks, and Migration and Food Systems and Climate Interactions courses, the first half of the class will cover foundational qualitative and quantitative methods employed in food systems and climate research. These methods include surveys, participatory research, life cycle assessment, spatial analysis, and more. The second half of the course will cover key applied methods used to analyze climate and environmental problems, including understanding the environmental footprint of the current food system, climate scenarios, climate risk and vulnerability assessment, and the economic and social disruptions these changes generate. By the end of the course, students will learn how to apply these methods to assess both the impacts of climate change on aspects of food production, distribution, and consumption, the impact of food systems on the changing climate, and approaches to reduce emissions and enhance the resilience and efficiency of food systems. Students will also learn how to apply these tools for policy analysis and recommend effective policies that support sustainable and resilient food systems to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The course will involve a mix of instructor and guest lectures, case studies, readings, hands-on group projects, and practical exercises to enhance the students' analytical and problem-solving skills.