by InTrieste
On Tuesday, December 17, the Lina Marii Marinelli Library in Melara, Italy, will host the presentation of “Globesity – The Hunger for Power,” a gripping new thriller by agronomist and scholar Andrea Segrè. The event, beginning at 4:00 PM, promises to dive into the complex intersections of food, power, and public health.
Segrè, a professor of Circular Economy and Policies for Sustainable Development at the University of Bologna, delivers a story that transcends fiction, using a university researcher’s battle with the economic interests of multinational food corporations to illuminate pressing real-world issues. At its core, “Globesity” explores how food choices shape individual lives and societies, for better or worse.
The evening will feature a dialogue with Segrè and an esteemed panel, including Micol Brusaferro, a journalist from Il Piccolo, Serena Miniussi, the library director, Corinna Michelin, a clinical expert in eating disorders, and Elena Bettinelli, a sociologist specializing in cultural and communication processes at the University of Trieste.
Food Waste and Global Challenges
While the book itself unfolds as a suspenseful narrative, its themes resonate deeply with global challenges. The presentation will delve into the growing problem of food waste and the broader implications of poor dietary habits, including the rise in obesity. Segrè and the panelists aim to spark a dialogue about the socioeconomic and environmental consequences of food mismanagement.
“Food waste is not just an environmental issue,” Segrè remarked in a pre-event statement. “It’s a mirror reflecting inequalities in access to food, the widening gap between social classes, and economic inefficiencies that affect everyone, from individuals to entire communities.”
Broader Impacts of Poor Nutrition
The discussion will touch on the many ripple effects of unhealthy eating. Beyond the strain on public health systems, poor dietary habits exacerbate climate change through increased food waste and deepen social divides as access to nutritious options often depends on income levels. Attendees can expect a nuanced exploration of these topics, guided by the expertise of the panelists.
A Call to Action
The event is as much about raising awareness as it is about storytelling. With “Globesity,” Segrè hopes to inspire a sense of urgency around rethinking global food systems, addressing rising obesity rates, and promoting sustainable practices.
For a community already keenly aware of these challenges, the December 17 presentation is a timely reminder of how literature can serve as a powerful tool for social change. As Segrè’s protagonist battles corporate greed in the pages of his novel, the real-world stakes are just as high—and the solutions start with conversations like these.
