Good Food, Community, and Data-Backed Storytelling

As I often emphasize, creativity and community are the cornerstones of true innovation. In order to build resilient systems, especially in food and climate, we must harness creative ideas that come from diverse voices and empower local communities to take the lead in shaping solutions. My fellow panelists at the Climate Week NYC Summit echoed this, stressing that resilience isn’t just a buzzword—it’s an ongoing journey that requires bringing in fresh perspectives and fostering collaboration at every level.

Panelists like Shakuntala Thilsted highlighted the importance of inviting new people to the table—especially those directly affected, such as women, young people, and farmers from the Global South. These communities aren’t just participants; they’re creators of the innovative solutions we need. As Philip Teverow noted, resilience depends on diversification—whether in farming, business, or life, putting all our eggs in one basket leaves us vulnerable to climate risks.

Data and technology were also focal points. Julia Collins and I both emphasized that actionable data is critical for scaling sustainable practices and making real progress. However, as Collins noted, data alone isn’t enough; it’s the stories we tell and the community partnerships we build around this data that drive true change. While technology, including AI, is a powerful tool for measuring sustainability and driving innovation, it’s the human element—governance, transparency, and collaboration—that will ultimately shape a resilient food system for the future.

Check out more at FoodTank.

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