"What's On Our Plate?" A Conversation on Food, Climate, and What Makes Us Happy

About this event

What we eat matters—for our health, our happiness, and our planet. Climate experts tell us that shifting diets is one of the most powerful tools we have. Studies show that investing in plant-rich food systems delivers five times more climate impact per dollar than renewable energy. The ASEAN Carbon Neutrality Strategies for Agriculture charted pathways for climate-smart production—but what happens after the farm gate matters just as much. But here’s the thing: in ASEAN, where millions have only recently gained access to diverse, protein-rich diets after generations of food insecurity, the conversation about “diet shift” often feels disconnected from reality—imposed rather than invited. So instead of another expert lecture, we’re hosting a different kind of gathering. We’re bringing together food bloggers, home cooks, farmers, street food sellers, chefs, nutrition enthusiasts, and curious eaters to explore one simple question: Can food be delicious, make us happy, AND be good for the climate? This isn’t about guilt or giving up what we love. It’s about discovering what “responsible eating” actually looks like when it’s shaped by our own tastes, traditions, and realities—not by someone else’s playbook. The big questions: - What’s actually changing in the way ASEAN eats? More meat? More processed food? More diversity? What’s driving these shifts? - Is this good or bad for the environment—and for us? What does the evidence say, and what does it miss? - What would make us want to eat in ways that are better for the climate? What’s standing in the way? - Can “climate-friendly” food be tasty, affordable, and culturally meaningful—or is that a fantasy? The outcomes: - By the end of three hours, we want a clearer, collectively-built picture of: - What “responsible eating” means in the ASEAN context. Defined by those of us who actually cook, eat and live here - What “responsible value chains” look like—from farmers and producers to sellers and consumers - Practical ideas that participants can take back to their own spheres of influence