We’ve all benefited from the so-called “Goldilocks era,” advancing as a society thanks to an ideal balance of water, energy, and an amenable climate that supports agriculture. And we’ve made remarkable use of resources, extracting fuel, food, and medicine while harnessing energy from wind, water, and the sun, for example. At the same time, however, we’ve impacted the planet in unprecedented ways. From soil depletion and CO2 emissions to plastic pollution and species loss, the footprint that humans are leaving behind is shameful. 
 
In fact, our impact on Earth is so extensive, some scientists have argued that we’re actually in the midst of a new geologic era, the “Anthropocene,” characterized by human-influenced changes to the planet’s atmosphere, oceans, and ecosystems. While the proposed epoch is controversial—and what isn’t these days—I’m a believer that people should confront their faults in order to change for the better. It’s not too late to shift course. 
 
Dennis Dimick, executive editor of National Geographic magazine, and co-founder of Eyes on Earth, an educational collaborative seeking to inspire a new generation of photographers, spoke about confronting global environmental issues at the Institute of Food Technologists conference (IFT18) in July. 
 
“We live in a world of more people, food, and growth, all underpinned by more energy,” he said. “We’re all beneficiaries of these activities, but there are impacts, and we need to take stock. What we do now is going to determine our future, and the future of our own civilization.”
 
There are solutions to help combat climate change, he added, including regenerative agriculture, more renewable energy projects (wind and solar), adopting plant-based diets, and saving tropical forests, for example. Ultimately, Mr. Dimick said it starts with education, and requires action. “What will we do with what we know?”
 
Consumers have access to more information today than ever before. However, access to information and being well-informed aren’t the same thing in an era of (actual) fake news, misinformation campaigns, and cover-ups. But industry can be a catalyst for change. We can build momentum by supporting regenerative agriculture and carbon sequestration. We can build trust by demonstrating sustainable, transparent supply chains and business models. We can all do more. 
 
With mainstream consumers demanding clean label products and whole foods, now seems like a good time to reframe the conversation around the Whole Earth.