Of all the weapons we take into battle, there is none more powerful than our voice. In a time when the world is facing challenges of climate change, food insecurity, and environmental change, one voice is rising above the noise: Daphne Ewing-Chow, Senior Contributor at Forbes. A talented writer with a mission who has truly cultivated a dynamic platform with a unique purpose. A platform that is deeply rooted and is fertile with a passion for inspiring others to take into consideration the impact they leave on the planet.
“As a journalist and strategic communications specialist, I explore the inter-relationship among food, agriculture, the environment, climate change, human health, and economic development,” she explains. “My passion lies in shining a light on critical issues and uncovering sustainable solutions, particularly in the global south and climate-vulnerable countries. Being from Barbados, the Caribbean is especially close to my heart. I’m constantly inspired by the resilience of countries on the frontlines of climate change and love telling stories of inspiring people and innovative, regenerative solutions at the intersection of food and nature. I also frequently speak and participate in panels, sharing my insights and advocating for a more sustainable future.”
Ewing-Chow shared that the powerful tool of writing allows her to create significant impact. Through her writing, she aims to connect with her audience on a deeper level, motivating them to engage in meaningful conversations and take steps toward positive change.
“I recognize that through my platform as a writer contributing to large, global outlets, I have had an immense opportunity to educate and drive change, which I do not take for granted. Through my work, I am able to amplify underreported issues, drive public discourse and humanize data and issues through human-interest storytelling. By showcasing innovative solutions, engaging experts, and providing a platform to people and places that typically do not have a voice, I am able to shape policy discussions, and bring critical attention to global challenges. At an individual level, I am able to inspire action, spark conversations, and help create a global understanding of the pressing need for sustainable and regenerative food systems.”
Considering the growing population and rising prices, Ewing-Chow shared her insights on the future of food and what it might entail.
“I would like to say I am cautiously optimistic. There is no doubt that we can produce enough food to feed 10 billion people in 2050. We have the technology and the money to do it. I think there is a growing realization that, due to heightened vulnerabilities, some countries and regions need more attention than others and this is certainly reflected in global discourse. I also believe that there is more awareness that food security is not solely about supply, but also structural efficiency and demand. The challenge that exists, is to get nutritious food to populations in an equitable way, which will require overcoming supply chain inefficiencies, geographic and structural inequalities, and a shift away from industrial style farming to more regenerative agricultural practices. We need a global shift in food culture— the power dynamics inherent in global food systems need to be dismantled.”
Ewing-Chow also expresses her desire to highlight more Caribbean stories in the future, emphasizing the region's unique challenges and contributions to sustainability. By bringing these stories to the forefront, she hopes to shed light on the critical role the region plays in the broader fight against climate change.
“Work around food and climate is currently very siloed. You rarely see people who are working on both. I also see the same issue with food and health (though the inter-relationship is more obvious). I want to continue highlighting the deep intersection between food, climate and health. I also want to tell more stories from the Caribbean, the global south and climate vulnerable countries. In my opinion, Caribbean stories are vastly underrepresented in the global media, so giving a platform to our people and the issues that affect us is a major priority area for me.”
Her work extends beyond her writing platform, drawing her into the dynamic and adventurous world of fieldwork, where she directly engages with the people and environments at the heart of food and climate issues.
“In addition to my work as a writer for publications, I've spent years providing communications advisory and storytelling services to governments, NGOs and other organizations, allowing me to dive deeply into impactful fieldwork. These projects have taken me directly to the heart of grassroots efforts, where I’ve had the privilege of documenting the powerful stories of food-insecure communities across the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia, including in conflict zones. Currently, I’m collaborating with several NGOs across Africa, Europe, and the United States, continuing to bring these vital narratives to light, and amplifying the voices of those most affected by food insecurity.”
Being of Caribbean descent, Ewing-Chow is working to balance her efforts in meaningful and effective ways.
“I’m actually originally from Barbados but have been living in the Cayman Islands for the past five years. As I’ve become more deeply immersed in the fascinating field of food and climate, my interests have expanded beyond the Caribbean to the global stage, particularly Africa, where I spent a significant amount of time last year. Now, I’m navigating how to balance my efforts between contributing meaningfully to discourse in my own region- which urgently needs greater visibility- and engaging with the broader, global issues that continue to captivate me. I still haven't found the right balance.”
Having worked for major publications, government entities, and global organizations, Ewing-Chow remains steadfast and dedicated to her work.
“It is amazing. I know I have an immense responsibility because there could potentially be millions of people reading my work, and I don't take this lightly.”
She shared the inspirations and motivations that drive her, including her love for travel and art. Ewing-Chow shared that witnessing individuals pursue a deep devotion to life changing work enriches her perspective and allows her to press on in her cause.
“Travel, art and interacting with beautiful humans from around the world inspire and motivate me. I love meeting new people who have devoted their lives to changing the world, as well as people in the global south who have strong and powerful spirits and are doing their best to overcome seemingly unsurmountable challenges. Food security is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and the cause I am most passionate about. When I am exposed to art, literature, articles, videos and even music that highlight these issues, I am overcome with passion to contribute further! And of course, traveling the world and seeing how pressing issues manifest in different contexts is incredibly eye opening. I also love to experience the food, food culture and food stories of different countries and regions.”
With an exciting platform, Ewing-Chow has countless adventures ahead of her.
“I have quite a bit coming up! From the perspective of travel, I just returned from Climate Week in New York, and I’ll be heading to Jamaica for the Food and Drink Festival in November, followed by the UN Climate Change Conference in Azerbaijan, and then off to the United Arab Emirates as a judge for a food sustainability competition, later in the year. I also have some storytelling expeditions that will take place in the months to come.”
She shared some exciting details on how individuals can get involved in her cause.
“First and foremost is education. For those who are in the midst of their academic journey, I would encourage you to take classes on sustainable food systems. Otherwise, there are numerous ways to educate one's self- my articles are of course one method, and there are also a number of amazing organizations that provide a great deal of entertaining information on global food systems and food security. One suggestion is Food Tank. In addition to self education, I would implore those who would like to get involved to begin by making conscious lifestyle choices: pay attention to where you spend your money and keep an eye open for greenwashing, support local farmers by shopping at farmer's markets, reduce your food waste, and opt for plant-based, locally-grown and ethically sourced products. It is also important to raise awareness by sharing information about food sustainability on social media, participating in local food initiatives, and engage in conversations about the impact of food systems on the environment. Additionally, one can advocate for change by supporting policies and organizations that promote food justice, sustainability, and equitable access to healthy, nutritious food for all.”
She offers this advice for those seeking to follow a similar path in journalism and advocacy.
“The world needs more creatives and colorful people who feel strongly about important issues and are unafraid to speak out. So pick a cause and get passionate, informed and outspoken about it. Gain so much confidence that you can be a truly effective advocate. Don't endeavor to be a jack of all trades.”
There comes a time when we realize the world as we know it is slowly slipping through our fingers. Ewing-Chow has built her legacy on the commitment to seize it back. Legacies are built on the choices we make, like the decision to create lasting change and impact those around us. It is our legacy that fuels hope—hope for success in our mission. Hope is one of the lanterns that still light the way. Ewing-Chow’s mission as an advocate for climate change, food security, and sustainability has been transformative. This transformative power sparks a movement that transcends our lifetime, impacting the future.
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