CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2013
| Author | Rohn, Jan |
|---|---|
| Title | The Unsustainable Dynamics of the Production and Consumption of Animal Protein: A Future Vision for a Diverse Plant-based Diet Using a System Dynamics Approach |
| Summary | Animal protein production and consumption causes severe environmental issues and has been linked to numerous human health problems. Over the past decades, moral concerns about the production of animal proteins have become an increasingly important issue for society. This thesis uses system dynamics modeling as a tool to characterize the collective dynamics of the current unsustainable animal protein system by mapping the stocks, flows and feedback loops. A positive future vision was then created by describing the details of a world without the unsustainable dynamics of the current system in order to serve as the transformational goal. Thereby, intervention points were determined where change should occur in order to transform the system to the positive future vision. The model revealed that the consumer is the most effective point of transformation for change towards sustainable protein production and consumption. Subsequently, an action plan for change was designed based on the intervention points, using New York City as a case study. The shift towards a plant-based diet can help to significantly reduce the unsustainable aspects of the current system by lowering the demand for animal products. Since the only impediment to this transformation is consumer’s choice, change can rapidly arise. |
| Supervisor | Steelman, Toddi; Corliss, Jack |
| Department | Environment Sciences and Policy MSc |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2013/rohn_jan.pdf |
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