What Billie Eilish taught me about climate storytelling 🎤

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Hey - It's Lia.

It’s Friday, and you’re reading VITAMIN C 🍋.

Last week, I got to speak at Billie Eilish’s Overheated Conference.

A full day surrounded by climate innovators, creative thinkers, and a sea of curious Gen Z minds.

Here’s my key learning:

What Billie Eilish and her mom did so brilliantly wasn’t quote climate facts — they made people feel.

That’s what sparks action.

That’s what storytelling does.

And that’s exactly what we need more of in food and climate communication.

People don’t change when they hear numbers.

They change when they feel something.

So if we want to fix food and save the planet, we better learn how to hit that emotional note.

1. [Report] 💡 This 70-page report just dismantled the meat vs. plant myth

What if I told you that plant-based burgers are not just better for the planet, but also better for your health?

That’s not wishful thinking. That’s the result of a report by ProVeg International, authored by the amazing nutritionist and my friend Valentina Gallani.

The report compared hundreds of plant-based products across 11 countries - and the results are clear:

↳ Plant-based meat has less saturated fat and more fiber than animal-based meat.

↳ Soy milk outperforms cow’s milk in most metrics.

📥 Get the full report here.

2. [Fun] ☕ Espresso? Straight from the canal.

At the current Venice Architecture Biennale, the American architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro unveiled a coffee lab that brews espresso using filtered water — from the actual Venetian canals.

Micro-wetlands, UV filters, reverse osmosis.

Add some roasted beans - and you get a Golden Lion - winning coffee.

Sustainability. Architecture. Caffeine.

All in one cup.

Check it out here.

3. [Study] 🧠Eating green, living longer?

A new meta-study from the University of Regensburg just gave us another reason to put more plants on our plates.

The analysis - based on data from over 2.2 million people - shows this:

Those who eat more sustainably have a 7% lower overall cancer risk

And a 12% lower risk of dying from cancer

What does “sustainable” mean here?

↳ Think more lentils, leafy greens, legumes.

↳ And less bacon, burgers, and heavily processed meats.

The biggest effect? Lower rates of lung and stomach cancers.

Science-backed proof that eating with care is self-care.

Curious? Full article here.

4. [Food for Thought] 🌏How to fix the future — and why food is part of the answer

New study, published in Nature and led by world-renowned climate scientist Johan Röckstrom concludes:

We’ve already crossed 6 of 9 planetary boundaries — and climate policy alone won’t save us.

But here are the news: there’s still a way back.

↳ Less meat (according to Planetary Health Diet)

↳ 50% less food waste

↳ Smarter use of water & nutrients

Together with political climate action, this combination could bring Earth’s systems back to 2015 levels by 2050 — and keep improving.

Still not perfect. But better. Much better.

📖 Read it here.

 5. [Inspiration] ⏳ You don’t “find” time. You make it.

We’ve all said it:

“I don’t have time.” 🙉 (Guilty - I say it way too often)

But what we actually mean is: “I’m not prioritizing this right now.”

I love this visual from @jaozolins because it nails the truth:

↳ On the left: Busy being busy.

↳ On the right: Busy making space—for change. 

It’s not about hustle. It’s about choosing where our energy goes.

I’ll try my best to cut more noise to focus on my food and climate projects (and my family). What will you make time for?

Stay awesome,
Lia

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