Surviving a Hostile Climate on Local Food: Michael Brownlee (#216)

A scaled-up local food system may be the only way we can feed ourselves as we weather the storm of climate change. Until now, CSAs, urban gardens and farmer’s markets have been the face of the local food movement. But Michael Brownlee, author of The Local Food Revolution: How Humanity Will Feed Itself in Uncertain Times, tells us this is not nearly enough. In this episode, the first of a two-part conversation, Brownlee shares how global industrial agriculture is failing us, and can’t adapt to the coming climate changes. He advocates relocalizing our food supply chain in order to adapt and survive.

Since 2005, Michael Brownlee and Lynette Marie Hanthorn have shepherded grassroots relocalization efforts in Boulder, Colorado. Their efforts have included the founding of Boulder Valley Relocalization, Boulder County Going Local, Transition Boulder County, Transition Colorado, Local Food Shift Group, and – most recently Local Food Catalysts. The pair are producing and co-hosting the first national Local Food Summit for ten days this summer.

Hear part two of this conversation here.

Photo Credit: Kirsten Boyer