Facing the continuous growth of the global population, it is becoming increasingly challenging to produce meat products to meet the growing demand, given the substantial land requirements for livestock rearing and the carbon footprint it leaves. This land could be more efficiently utilized for cultivating crops for direct human consumption. Thus, the Proveg Innovation Challenge Launch was held at NTU on 11 October 2023 with the aim of introducing the Proveg Food Innovation Challenge to NTU students. The challenge seeks to encourage individuals to participate actively and submit innovative ideas for a more sustainable food system.
Earthlink NTU is honoured to have Ms. Shirley Lu, the Proveg Managing Director be the speaker for this event launch. Ms. Shirley is a prominent figure in the green food economy innovations. She is the Coordinating Lead Author for a UNEP General Environment Outlook Brief on Business’s Role in Food System Transformation. She also pioneered a groundbreaking plant-based innovation campaign in China, expanding it across Southeast Asia.
During the talk, Ms. Shirley pointed out the benefits of a plant-based diet on both the environment and physical health. Vegetarianism has a lower environmental impact as growing plants requires less land space and has a lower carbon footprint than rearing livestock. Vegetarian diets tend to be lower in calories and saturated fats and higher in fiber content, lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, certain cancers, and heart diseases.
In recent times, the sustainable and plant-based food industry has gained traction with the introduction of cultured meat. Ms. Shirley also pointed out the huge market potential that this emerging industry can bring. Both vegetarians and flexitarians – people who have a primarily vegetarian diet but occasionally eat meat or fish, could benefit from the introduction of cultured meat. This emerging industry is paramount in offering alternative eating habits that are sustainable and reducing the reliance on animal-based meat products.
After the talk, an intimate Q&A session was held, where participants had the opportunity to interact personally with the speaker, clarifying questions and learning more about the sustainable food industry. The session concluded with a lucky draw session where the lucky few participants have the opportunity to attend the New Food Conference that is hosted by Proveg in Berlin from October 25th to 26th.
From this event, our participants have gained new insights and exposure to the sustainable and plant-based food industry. At Earthlink NTU, we are committed to making our planet a better place. Let us start by changing our own lifestyles to incorporate more sustainable habits.
Written by:
Nigel Chok Kin Chun