Carolyn Steel Book order

'No writer asks more interesting questions about food than Carolyn Steel because no one takes more seriously the profound role of food at the heart of human life...destined to become a modern classic' BEE WILSON We live in a world shaped by food, a Sitopia (sitos - food; topos - place). Food, and how we search for and consume it, has defined our human journey. From our foraging hunter-gatherer ancestors to the enormous appetites of modern cities, food has shaped our bodies and homes, our politics and trade, and our climate. Whether it's the daily decision of what to eat, or the monopoly of industrial food production, food touches every part of our world. But by forgetting its value, we have drifted into a way of life that threatens our planet and ourselves. Yet food remains central to addressing the predicaments and opportunities of our urban, digital age. Drawing on insights from philosophy, history, architecture, literature, politics and science, as well as stories of the farmers, designers and economists who are remaking our relationship with food, Sitopia is a provocative and exhilarating vision for change, and how to thrive on our crowded, overheating planet. In her inspiring and deeply thoughtful new book Carolyn Steel, points the way to a better future. *A DAILY TELEGRAPH BOOK OF THE YEAR 2020*

Cities occupy only 2% of the Earth's surface yet consume 75% of its resources. Despite a 145% increase in global food production over the last four decades of the 20th century, around 800 million people remain hungry. In 2005, British supermarkets discarded half a million tonnes of edible food, contributing to a total of 17 million tonnes wasted across the food sector. With one-quarter of the British population classified as obese and one in three meals being ready-made, the connection between food and urban life is crucial. Food not only shapes cities but also influences our lives and the countryside that sustains us. The immense effort required to feed urban populations significantly impacts both society and the environment, yet many remain unaware of the journey food takes to reach our plates. This exploration delves into how modern food production disrupts the balance of human existence, highlighting unresolved issues that contribute to obesity, the dominance of supermarkets, and environmental degradation. By tracing food from its origins through to consumption and waste, the author examines historical and contemporary challenges at each stage. Ultimately, it reveals how our lives and surroundings are affected and offers insights into potential positive changes. Engaging and thought-provoking, this work addresses an essential issue that resonates with everyone.