How much area is required for optimal human nutrition?

The questions of “What is optimal nutrition?” and “What area is needed for producing the food for this optimal nutrition?” is concerning many people today. Ultimately, it comes down to “Is the world big enough to sustain good human nutrition?”. I would invite anyone concerned with these question to re-frame the problem, for two reasons.

First, “Optimal nutrition” is a mis-concept. It’s like asking for “optimal education” or “How many pages has the optimal book?”. Human nutrition is diverse, culturally and ecologically contextual. It really depends where you live, your genetics, the state of your biome, the ecosystem you live within, your age, your activity level, outdoor temperature, etc. This context hides other,m related aspects … like: Shall we eat more or shall we turn up the heating system? Many persons on a low-carb diet are often cold and burn fossil fuels for heating, in order to reduce their food footprint! What is better?

The problem of the nutrition question is thus in the search for generalization, for a blue-print, for simplicity where there is none. There’s no blue-print for human nutrition. And that’s a good thing.

Secondly, “area” is not a relevant concept. We can utilize an area in a way that turns biosphere into desert. If we minimize production area while turning this area into a desert, then we chose the wrong cropping methodology. Or, we can utilize VAST areas to regenerate an area that was on its way to desertification. While the per-person-area is then large, it still benefits society.

Yet, the question “How many healthy humans can the earth sustain?” is very valid and important. But there’s no such thing as a blue print. We need to understand ecological and cultural contexts, human individuality, and ecosystem regeneration and management goals. This needs to be done region by region. Sorry, this not possible in a master thesis – and least not for the entire globe or an entire country. Well, maybe try Lichtenstein if you want to analyze an entire country! Otherwise, what about sticking to a small region with a particular culture, and a range of human archetypes … maybe five or six?