Energy: life, power, and livelihood

Abstract

We and our habitat are forms of energy, endowed with life, and irrevocably earthlings. A cosmological-to-locality appreciation of energy in food and nutrition science, practice and policy is overdue. Our livelihood, and any function we have, are energy dependent, as is planetary habitability. Energy cognisance has become an existential necessity in an increasingly self-destructive ‘anthropocene’ era when our own energy equilibrium is compromised. This is manifest in destruction and loss of our ecology, our livelihood expectations, and practices, and, in turn, our wellbeing and health. Most problematic has been the domination, skewing and loss of biomass caused by humans, both their over-population of the earth, and their exploitation of its natural resources. These resources provide fuel for warmth, cooking and transport, textiles, and clothing; are subject to land and aquatic harvest, are replaced by dwellings and infrastructural buildings, and yet are recreational assets. Wastage has been of scant regard. Energy misuse besets the entire food system. This has followed the development of the wood and coal-fired steam engine, the advent of gasoline powered internal combustion engines, use and transmission of electricity, and an insatiable arms industry. Now, we are at the brink of extinction. Profiteering and conflict over energy control has fostered unfettered industrial materialism, a major extinction risk factor. Not only is energy the power we need, but it has also underwritten the powerful. Can we be sufficiently insightful and collaborative to change this energy trajectory and survive healthfully on a habitable planet? Individuals, households, and communities, as opposed to unaccountable monopolies, could achieve control of the energy systems on which our livelihoods depend and render them sustainable, accessible, and affordable. Interconnected food and energy system ownership could be devolved to ‘The Commons’ as a cooperative, sustainability strategy. The social momentum and appropriate technology for energy conservation, renewability and personalisation is now available for mobilisation to address our food, nutrition, and health insecurity.