1
|
Gonzalez-de la Rosa T, Montserrat-de la Paz S, Rivero-Pino F. Production, characterisation, and biological properties of Tenebrio molitor-derived oligopeptides. Food Chem 2024; 450:139400. [PMID: 38640536 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.139400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Three protein hydrolysates from Tenebrio molitor were obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis employing two food-grade proteases (i.e. Alcalase and Flavourzyme), and a complete characterisation of their composition was done. The digestion-derived products were obtained using the INFOGEST protocol. In vitro antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated. Tenebrio molitor flour and the protein hydrolysates showed a high ability to scavenge the DPPH radical (EC50 values from 0.30 to 0.87 mg/mL). The hydrolysate obtained with a combination of the two food-grade proteases could decrease the gene expression of pro-inflammatory genes after being digested. Furthermore, the peptidome was fully determined for the first time for T. molitor hydrolysates and digests, and 40 peptides were selected based on their bioactivity to be evaluated by in silico tools, including prediction tools and molecular docking. These results provide new perspectives on the use of edible insects as sustainable and not nutritionally disadvantageous food for human consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Gonzalez-de la Rosa
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain; Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBiS, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Sergio Montserrat-de la Paz
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain; Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBiS, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain.
| | - Fernando Rivero-Pino
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain; Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBiS, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen J, Wang S, Zhong H, Chen B, Fang D. Assessing agricultural greenhouse gas emission mitigation by scaling up farm size: An empirical analysis based on rural household survey data. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 933:173077. [PMID: 38735310 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Farm size affects agricultural production inputs and thus has impacts on agricultural GHG emissions. However, the effects and mechanisms behind this are still unclear. In this paper, we identified the effects and mechanisms of farm size on agricultural GHG emissions, based on survey data about over 20,000 rural households in China from 2009 to 2016. Firstly, we calculated the agricultural CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions using the life-cycle analysis (LCA). Secondly, the impacts of farm size on GHG emissions intensity were explored with a fixed effect model, based on the long-term rural household survey data. Finally, the mechanisms were tested by the mediation effect model. The results showed that a 1 % increase in farm size, on average, could reduce the GHG emissions intensity of rural households by 0.245 % from 2009 to 2016. The mechanism analysis showed that the larger farm size reduced GHG emissions intensity mainly by reducing the non-fixed input intensity and raising fixed input investment. By identifying the impacts and mechanisms of farm size on agricultural GHG emissions, this paper aims to provide insights for policymakers to achieve China's goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2060.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiangqiang Chen
- School of Economics, Guangdong University of Finance and Economics, Guangdong 510220, China
| | - Saige Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Honglin Zhong
- Institute of Blue and Green Development, Weihai Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China; Academy of Plateau Science and Sustainability, Qinghai Normal University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Bin Chen
- School of Economics, Guangdong University of Finance and Economics, Guangdong 510220, China; State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Dan Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Collier ES, Costa E, Harris KL, Bendtsen M, Niimi J. Still just a matter of taste? Sensorial appreciation of seafood is associated with more frequent and diverse consumption. Appetite 2024; 198:107369. [PMID: 38663516 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Improving health and sustainability outcomes in WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrial, Rich, Democratic) nations necessitates a reduction in red meat consumption. Seafood is often overlooked in achieving this goal. However, simply consuming more of familiar fish species places high stress on production of these species. For this reason, diversification of seafood consumption is also critical. Here the motives for seafood consumption (frequency and diversity) are investigated across two studies by adapting the 4Ns survey to the seafood category. This 16-item survey measures four factors underpinning meat consumption: namely that it is 'Natural', 'Necessary', 'Normal' and 'Nice'. Swedish consumers' hedonic and sensory expectations of two herring concepts (traditional pickled contra novel minced and presented as a burger) are also evaluated in relation to the 4Ns. Study 1 (N = 304) revealed that the seafood 4Ns scale had a similar underlying structure to that of meat and had good test-retest reliability. Study 2 (N = 514) showed that consumers expected to like the pickled herring (associated with being 'seasoned', 'salty', 'sweet', 'firm', 'juicy', 'chewy', and 'slimy') more than the minced herring (associated with being 'mushy', 'fishy', 'grainy', 'dry' and having 'small bones'), and that 'Nice' scores affected expectations of both herring concepts. Food neophobia correlated inversely with seafood consumption frequency, expected liking, the 'Nice' subscale, and food agency. Critically, in both studies, enjoyment of seafood (higher 'Nice' scores) predicted more frequent and diverse seafood consumption, whilst agreeing that seafood is 'Necessary' for health predicted only consumption frequency, not diversity. Communicating the positive sensory attributes of seafood and developing novel product concepts in ways that disconfirm sceptical consumers' negative sensory expectations may increase acceptance of both familiar and unfamiliar seafood concepts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Collier
- RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Division of Bioeconomy and Health, Sweden; Linköping University, Department of Health, Medicine, and Caring Sciences, Sweden.
| | - Elena Costa
- RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Division of Bioeconomy and Health, Sweden; Gothenburg University, Department of Biological & Environmental Sciences, Sweden
| | - Kathryn L Harris
- RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Division of Bioeconomy and Health, Sweden
| | - Marcus Bendtsen
- Linköping University, Department of Health, Medicine, and Caring Sciences, Sweden
| | - Jun Niimi
- RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Division of Bioeconomy and Health, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Han Y, Peng J, Du Y, Fan X. Industrialization Mitigates Greenhouse Gas Intensity in China's Dairy Sector yet May Prove Insufficient to Offset Emissions from Future Production Expansion. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38872476 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c03768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
China's dairy farming is undergoing a critical transition from extensive to industrial systems. To achieve sustainable milk production within China's dual-carbon goals, understanding the multidimensional impacts of industrialization on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is imperative. This study comprehensively analyzed the implications of China's dairy industrialization on GHG emissions and explored future mitigation potential. Results indicated that industrial systems exhibited lower methane but higher carbon dioxide intensities, with net GHG intensity lower than other systems. During 2002-2020, China's milk production increased by 165%, while GHG emissions increased by 105% to 50.27 Tg CO2eq, accompanying an industrialization rate increased from 16% to 75%. The industrialization progress played a mitigating effect on GHG primarily through intensification within individual production systems before 2008 and transformation between systems post-2008. However, the industrialization's effect was relatively modest compared to other socio-economic factors. By 2030, 11.8 Tg CO2eq will be triggered by predicted milk production growth, but only 0.6 Tg can be offset by system transformation. Integrating measures to improve feed, herd, and manure management on industrial farms could decouple GHG emissions from milk production and achieve a carbon peak before 2030. We suggest transforming to improved industrial systems as a necessary step toward sustainable livestock production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Han
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250358, China
| | - Jinshan Peng
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250358, China
| | - Yuanyuan Du
- Huaxin Design Group Co., Ltd., Wuxi 214100, China
| | - Xing Fan
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250358, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Marty L, Dahmani J, Nicklaus S. Children's liking for vegetarian and non-vegetarian school meals at the scale of a French city. Appetite 2024; 200:107547. [PMID: 38851493 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
In Western countries, a behavioural shift towards more plant-based diets is helpful in protecting population and planet health. School canteens are an important public policy target to achieve this transition. Increasing the frequency of vegetarian meals in school canteens has been proposed as a solution to decrease greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining a good nutritional quality. However, vegetarian meals acceptance by children is key to limit unintended consequences such as increased food waste or increased nutritional inequalities. We aimed to examine children's liking for vegetarian and non-vegetarian main dishes at school canteens; and whether it varied across socioeconomic level. Connected scoring devices displaying a five-point smiley scale were installed in all the 38 primary school canteens of a French city, located in socially diverse neighbourhoods. Every day after their school lunch, children were asked to rate the main dish they had just eaten. During one school year, from September 2021 to June 2022, we collected 208,985 votes for 125 main dishes, including 32 vegetarian (i.e., no meat or fish) and 93 non-vegetarian dishes, for an average of 1672 (SD 440) votes per day across the 38 school canteens. We showed no difference in children's liking for vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Additionally, the socioeconomic level of the schools was found to interact negatively with children's liking for vegetarian main dishes whereby vegetarian main dishes tended to be more liked in schools of lower socioeconomic level. In this French city, children's acceptance would not be a barrier to increase the frequency of vegetarian school meals and would not increase social dietary inequalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucile Marty
- Centre des Sciences Du Goût et de L'Alimentation, CNRS, INRAE, Institut Agro, Université de Bourgogne, 17 Rue Sully, BP 86510, 21065, Dijon Cedex, France.
| | - Justine Dahmani
- Centre des Sciences Du Goût et de L'Alimentation, CNRS, INRAE, Institut Agro, Université de Bourgogne, 17 Rue Sully, BP 86510, 21065, Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Sophie Nicklaus
- Centre des Sciences Du Goût et de L'Alimentation, CNRS, INRAE, Institut Agro, Université de Bourgogne, 17 Rue Sully, BP 86510, 21065, Dijon Cedex, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Du Z, Nakagawa A, Fang J, Ridwan R, Astuti WD, Sarwono KA, Sofyan A, Widyastuti Y, Cai Y. Cleaner anaerobic fermentation and greenhouse gas reduction of crop straw. Microbiol Spectr 2024:e0052024. [PMID: 38832787 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00520-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Rice anaerobic fermentation is a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and in order to efficiently utilize crop residue resources to reduce GHG emissions, rice straw anaerobic fermentation was regulated using lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculants (FG1 and TH14), grass medium (GM) to culture LAB, and Acremonim cellulolyticus (AC). Microbial community, GHG emission, dry matter (DM) loss, and anaerobic fermentation were analyzed using PacBio single-molecule real-time and anaerobic fermentation system. The epiphytic microbial diversity of fresh rice straw was extremely rich and contained certain nutrients and minerals. During ensiling, large amounts of GHG such as carbon dioxide are produced due to plant respiration, enzymatic hydrolysis reactions, and proliferation of aerobic bacteria, resulting in energy and DM loss. Addition of FG1, TH14, and AC alone improved anaerobic fermentation by decreasing pH and ammonia nitrogen content (P < 0.05) and increased lactic acid content (P < 0.05) when compared to the control, and GM showed the same additive effect as LAB inoculants. Microbial additives formed a co-occurrence microbial network system dominated by LAB, enhanced the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, diversified the microbial metabolic environment and carbohydrate metabolic pathways, weakened the amino acid metabolic pathways, and made the anaerobic fermentation cleaner. This study is of great significance for the effective utilization of crop straw resources, the promotion of sustainable livestock production, and the reduction of GHG emissions.IMPORTANCETo effectively utilize crop by-product resources, we applied microbial additives to silage fermentation of fresh rice straw. Fresh rice straw is extremely rich in microbial diversity, which was significantly reduced after silage fermentation, and its nutrients were well preserved. Silage fermentation was improved by microbial additives, where the combination of cellulase and lactic acid bacteria acted as enzyme-bacteria synergists to promote lactic acid fermentation and inhibit the proliferation of harmful bacteria, such as protein degradation and gas production, thereby reducing GHG emissions and DM losses. The microbial additives accelerated the formation of a symbiotic microbial network system dominated by lactic acid bacteria, which regulated silage fermentation and improved microbial metabolic pathways for carbohydrates and amino acids, as well as biosynthesis of secondary metabolites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhumei Du
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Andressa Nakagawa
- Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Jiachen Fang
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Roni Ridwan
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Cibinong, Indonesia
| | - Wulansih D Astuti
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Cibinong, Indonesia
| | - Ki A Sarwono
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Cibinong, Indonesia
| | - Ahmad Sofyan
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Cibinong, Indonesia
| | - Yantyati Widyastuti
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Cibinong, Indonesia
| | - Yimin Cai
- Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Reguant-Closa A, Pedolin D, Herrmann M, Nemecek T. Review of Diet Quality Indices that can be Applied to the Environmental Assessment of Foods and Diets. Curr Nutr Rep 2024; 13:351-362. [PMID: 38625631 PMCID: PMC11133024 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-024-00540-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim was to identify indices of diet quality and health that could be applied to the environmental assessment of foods in order to provide metrics that collectively assess nutritional, health and environmental dimensions. RECENT FINDINGS The review identified five major groups of indices: nutrient-food quantity-based; guideline-based; diversity-based; nutrient quality-based; health-based. Nutrient-food quantity-based and guideline type indices were the most frequently used to evaluate diet quality. Scaled assessment using a nutritional functional unit is the most common integration of diet quality with the environmental analysis of foods. There are fewer indices that measure the heath impacts of foods, but epidemiological dietary risk factors seem a promising approach to integrate diet and health impacts into the environmental assessment of foods. Five groups of nutritional and health indices were identified that can be applied when performing an environmental assessment of foods. This review proposes different methodological insights when doing such assessments to ensure transparency and comparability of the results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alba Reguant-Closa
- Life Cycle Assessment Research Group, 191, CH-8046, Reckenholzstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Dario Pedolin
- Life Cycle Assessment Research Group, 191, CH-8046, Reckenholzstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Moritz Herrmann
- Life Cycle Assessment Research Group, 191, CH-8046, Reckenholzstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Nemecek
- Life Cycle Assessment Research Group, 191, CH-8046, Reckenholzstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wadi NM, Cheikh K, Keung YW, Green R. Investigating intervention components and their effectiveness in promoting environmentally sustainable diets: a systematic review. Lancet Planet Health 2024; 8:e410-e422. [PMID: 38849183 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(24)00064-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Global food systems contribute 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions, threatening the global temperature targets of the Paris Agreement. Diets in high-income countries exceed the recommendations for animal-based foods, whereas consumption of fruits and vegetables is below recommendations. Shifting to a more plant-based diet can reduce up to 30% of greenhouse gas emissions from diet and also reduce risk of chronic disease. Interventions addressing sustainable dietary behaviour, defined by a shift in dietary patterns and food-waste practices, could therefore improve population and planetary health, but knowledge of the interventions that are likely to be most effective in changing sustainable dietary behaviour is so far limited. This systematic review aimed to investigate, classify, and assess the effectiveness of interventions that promote environmentally sustainable diets in high-income countries. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature for randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental trials published from inception until June 16, 2022, evaluating the effectiveness of any intervention promoting environmentally sustainable dietary behaviour. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they included adults and children from high-income countries (as defined by the World Bank classification) and used individual-level behaviour change interventions. Online choice experiments and studies reporting results on only change in fruit and vegetable consumption were excluded. Interventions were classified using the nine intervention functions of the behaviour change wheel. Data were extracted on number of participants, intervention characteristics, diet change (eg, meat consumption and fruit and vegetable intake), food waste, greenhouse gas emissions, and health outcomes. 13 studies were identified and included in the systematic review. Articles were from six different countries (ie, Canada, the USA, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, Italy). Six of the nine intervention functions of the behaviour change wheel were used. Interventions using education had the most robust evidence base, whereas interventions using persuasion had the strongest effect on reducing meat consumption. Overall, interventions using education in combination with other factors were most successful. Five studies had high risk of bias, five had some concerns of bias, and three had low risk of bias. This systematic review provides insight into the effectiveness of behavioural interventions to meet health and climate change goals through promotion of environmentally sustainable diets. Evidence supports the use of multicomponent interventions through education, persuasion, and environmental restructuring to provide opportunity for change. Little high-quality research was available, and more robustly designed intervention studies are needed to inform future guidelines and policies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noor M Wadi
- Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.
| | - Kenza Cheikh
- Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Yan Wah Keung
- Department of Dietetics, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Rosemary Green
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Paoli M. Hindrance to sustainable development: Global inequities, non-progressive education and inadequate science-policy dialogue. Microb Biotechnol 2024; 17:e14486. [PMID: 38858805 PMCID: PMC11164667 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Social habits and economies driven by profit are opposing efforts to reach a path of sustainable development. In addition, many communities worldwide have diverged away from nature through consumerism and technology. In the context of the escalating risks and consequences related to global challenges such as the climate crisis and ecosystem degradation, education for sustainable development and science-driven decision-making offer tremendous opportunities for improvement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Max Paoli
- The World Academy of Sciences (UNESCO)TriesteItaly
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Saghaï A, Hallin S. Diversity and ecology of NrfA-dependent ammonifying microorganisms. Trends Microbiol 2024; 32:602-613. [PMID: 38462391 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2024.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Nitrate ammonifiers are a taxonomically diverse group of microorganisms that reduce nitrate to ammonium, which is released, and thereby contribute to the retention of nitrogen in ecosystems. Despite their importance for understanding the fate of nitrate, they remain a largely overlooked group in the nitrogen cycle. Here, we present the latest advances on free-living microorganisms using NrfA to reduce nitrite during ammonification. We describe their diversity and ecology in terrestrial and aquatic environments, as well as the environmental factors influencing the competition for nitrate with denitrifiers that reduce nitrate to gaseous nitrogen species, including the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O). We further review the capacity of ammonifiers for other redox reactions, showing that they likely play multiple roles in the cycling of elements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurélien Saghaï
- Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sara Hallin
- Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Arrazat L, Nicklaus S, de Lauzon-Guillain B, Marty L. Behavioural determinants of healthy and environmentally friendly diets in French university students. Appetite 2024; 200:107532. [PMID: 38815688 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Although encouraging the shift toward sustainable diets in young adults is a major challenge to preserve population and planet health, the precursors of sustainable diets in this population remain unknown. This study aimed to identify the behavioural determinants of healthier and more environmentally friendly diets among university students. A sample of 582 French university students reported their food consumption using an online 125-item food frequency questionnaire. The nutritional quality (adherence to French recommendations, sPNNS-GS2) and the greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) of students' diets were calculated for an isocaloric diet. Behavioural determinants were measured based on a literature review and classified into the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation Behaviour (COM-B) framework. Linear models, adjusted for socioeconomic characteristics, were run to identify the most prominent behavioural predictors of nutritional quality and GHGE of students' diets. Higher cooking skills (β = 0.38, p = 0.01) and health motives (β = 0.91, p < 0.001) were associated with higher nutritional quality. Greater environmental knowledge was linked to lower GHGE (β = -0.07, p = 0.002), while health and weight control motives were associated with higher GHGE (β = 0.26, p = 0.02 and β = 0.39, p < 0.001). Enhancing cooking skills and environmental knowledge could enable healthy and environmentally friendly diets, but health-based motives can act as a lever and as a barrier.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Arrazat
- Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, CNRS, INRAE, Institut Agro, Université de Bourgogne, 17 Rue Sully, 21065, Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Sophie Nicklaus
- Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, CNRS, INRAE, Institut Agro, Université de Bourgogne, 17 Rue Sully, 21065, Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Blandine de Lauzon-Guillain
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Inserm, INRAE, Center for Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), F-75004, Paris, France
| | - Lucile Marty
- Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, CNRS, INRAE, Institut Agro, Université de Bourgogne, 17 Rue Sully, 21065, Dijon Cedex, France.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Álvarez-Álvarez L, Vitelli-Storelli F, Rubín-García M, Martín-Sánchez V, García Fernández C, Carvalho C, Araújo J, Ramos E. Environmental impact of the diet of young Portuguese and its relationship with adherence to the Mediterranean Diet. Eur J Nutr 2024:10.1007/s00394-024-03396-w. [PMID: 38763928 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-024-03396-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate, in a cohort of young Portuguese adults, the environmental impact (greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, land use, energy used, acidification and potential eutrophication) of diet according to adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD). METHODS Data from 1554 participants of the Epidemiologic Health Investigation of Teenagers in Porto (EPITeen) were analysed. Food intake and MD adherence were determined using validated questionnaires. The environmental impact was evaluated with the EAT-Lancet Commission tables, and the link between MD adherence and environmental impact was calculated using adjusted multivariate linear regression models. RESULTS Higher adherence (high vs. low) to the MD was associated with lower environmental impact in terms of land use (7.8 vs. 8.5 m2, p = 0.002), potential acidification (57.8 vs. 62.4 g SO2-eq, p = 0.001) and eutrophication (21.7 vs. 23.5 g PO4-eq, p < 0.001). Energy use decreased only in the calorie-adjusted model (9689.5 vs. 10,265.9 kJ, p < 0.001), and GHG emissions were reduced only in a complementary model where fish consumption was eliminated (3035.3 vs. 3281.2 g CO2-eq, p < 0.001). Meat products had the greatest environmental impact for all five environmental factors analysed: 35.7% in GHG emissions, 60.9% in energy use, 72.8% in land use, 70% in acidification and 61.8% in eutrophication. CONCLUSIONS Higher adherence to the MD is associated with lower environmental impact, particularly in terms of acidification, eutrophication, and land use. Reducing meat consumption can contribute to greater environmental sustainability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Álvarez-Álvarez
- Group of Investigation in Interactions Gene-Environment and Health (GIIGAS), Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, León, Spain
| | - Facundo Vitelli-Storelli
- Group of Investigation in Interactions Gene-Environment and Health (GIIGAS), Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, León, Spain
| | - María Rubín-García
- Group of Investigation in Interactions Gene-Environment and Health (GIIGAS), Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, León, Spain
| | - Vicente Martín-Sánchez
- Group of Investigation in Interactions Gene-Environment and Health (GIIGAS), Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, León, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Camino García Fernández
- Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Veterinary Faculty, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Catarina Carvalho
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, EPIUnit-Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Medical School, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Araújo
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, EPIUnit-Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Medical School, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Ramos
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, EPIUnit-Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- Medical School, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Schön J, Gentsch N, Breunig P. Cover crops support the climate change mitigation potential of agroecosystems. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302139. [PMID: 38717995 PMCID: PMC11078372 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cover crops have the potential to mitigate climate change by reducing negative impacts of agriculture on ecosystems. This study is first to quantify the net climate change mitigation impact of cover crops including land-use effects. A systematic literature and data review was conducted to identify major drivers for climate benefits and costs of cover crops in maize (Zea maize L.) production systems. The results indicate that cover crops lead to a net climate change mitigation impact (NCCMI) of 3.30 Mg CO2e ha-1 a-1. We created four scenarios with different impact weights of the drivers and all of them showing a positive NCCMI. Carbon land benefit, the carbon opportunity costs based on maize yield gains following cover crops, is the major contributor to the NCCMI (34.5% of all benefits). Carbon sequestration is the second largest contributor (33.8%). The climate costs of cover crops are mainly dominated by emissions from their seed production and foregone benefits due to land use for cover crops seeds. However, these two costs account for only 15.8% of the benefits. Extrapolating these results, planting cover crops before all maize acreage in the EU results in a climate change mitigation of 49.80 million Mg CO2e a-1, which is equivalent to 13.0% of the EU's agricultural emissions. This study highlights the importance of incorporating cover crops into sustainable cropping systems to minimize the agricultural impact to climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Schön
- Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences, Triesdorf, Germany
| | - Norman Gentsch
- Institute of Earth System Science, Section Soil Science, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Breunig
- Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences, Triesdorf, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Pettigrew S, Taylor F, Hunnisett C, Hadjikakou M. Sustainable diets: Empowering consumers in the face of regulatory tardiness. Aust N Z J Public Health 2024:100151. [PMID: 38811251 DOI: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2024.100151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Pettigrew
- The George Institute for Public Health, University of New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Fraser Taylor
- The George Institute for Public Health, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Istrate R, Tulus V, Grass RN, Vanbever L, Stark WJ, Guillén-Gosálbez G. The environmental sustainability of digital content consumption. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3724. [PMID: 38697974 PMCID: PMC11066053 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47621-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Internet access has reached 60% of the global population, with the average user spending over 40% of their waking life on the Internet, yet the environmental implications remain poorly understood. Here, we assess the environmental impacts of digital content consumption in relation to the Earth's carrying capacity, finding that currently the global average consumption of web surfing, social media, video and music streaming, and video conferencing could account for approximately 40% of the per capita carbon budget consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5 °C, as well as around 55% of the per capita carrying capacity for mineral and metal resources use and over 10% for five other impact categories. Decarbonising electricity would substantially mitigate the climate impacts linked to Internet consumption, while the use of mineral and metal resources would remain of concern. A synergistic combination of rapid decarbonisation and additional measures aimed at reducing the use of fresh raw materials in electronic devices (e.g., lifetime extension) is paramount to prevent the growing Internet demand from exacerbating the pressure on the finite Earth's carrying capacity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Istrate
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
- Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Einsteinweg 2, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Victor Tulus
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Robert N Grass
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Vanbever
- Computer Engineering and Networks Laboratory, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, ETH Zürich, Gloriastrasse 35, 8092, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Wendelin J Stark
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Gonzalo Guillén-Gosálbez
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Luo L, Cohan DS, Gurung RB, Venterea RT, Ran L, Benson V, Yuan Y. Impacts assessment of nitrification inhibitors on U.S. agricultural emissions of reactive nitrogen gases. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 359:121043. [PMID: 38723497 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Fertilizer-intensive agriculture leads to emissions of reactive nitrogen (Nr), posing threats to climate via nitrous oxide (N2O) and to air quality and human health via nitric oxide (NO) and ammonia (NH3) that form ozone and particulate matter (PM) downwind. Adding nitrification inhibitors (NIs) to fertilizers can mitigate N2O and NO emissions but may stimulate NH3 emissions. Quantifying the net effects of these trade-offs requires spatially resolving changes in emissions and associated impacts. We introduce an assessment framework to quantify such trade-off effects. It deploys an agroecosystem model with enhanced capabilities to predict emissions of Nr with or without the use of NIs, and a social cost of greenhouse gas to monetize the impacts of N2O on climate. The framework also incorporates reduced-complexity air quality and health models to monetize associated impacts of NO and NH3 emissions on human health downwind via ozone and PM. Evaluation of our model against available field measurements showed that it captured the direction of emission changes but underestimated reductions in N2O and overestimated increases in NH3 emissions. The model estimated that, averaged over applicable U.S. agricultural soils, NIs could reduce N2O and NO emissions by an average of 11% and 16%, respectively, while stimulating NH3 emissions by 87%. Impacts are largest in regions with moderate soil temperatures and occur mostly within two to three months of N fertilizer and NI application. An alternative estimate of NI-induced emission changes was obtained by multiplying the baseline emissions from the agroecosystem model by the reported relative changes in Nr emissions suggested from a global meta-analysis: -44% for N2O, -24% for NO and +20% for NH3. Monetized assessments indicate that on an annual scale, NI-induced harms from increased NH3 emissions outweigh (8.5-33.8 times) the benefits of reducing NO and N2O emissions in all agricultural regions, according to model-based estimates. Even under meta-analysis-based estimates, NI-induced damages exceed benefits by a factor of 1.1-4. Our study highlights the importance of considering multiple pollutants when assessing NIs, and underscores the need to mitigate NH3 emissions. Further field studies are needed to evaluate the robustness of multi-pollutant assessments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lina Luo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Daniel S Cohan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA.
| | - Ram B Gurung
- Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Rodney T Venterea
- Soil and Water Management Research Unit, USDA-ARS, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Limei Ran
- Nature Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Greensboro, NC 27401, USA
| | | | - Yongping Yuan
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Yang X, Gao Q, Duan H, Zhu M, Wang S. GHG mitigation strategies on China's diverse dish consumption are key to meet the Paris Agreement targets. NATURE FOOD 2024; 5:365-377. [PMID: 38773276 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-024-00978-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Combatting climate change depends on demand-side mitigation strategies related to food, which is in turn contingent on explicit estimation and management of dish-level emissions. Here, on the basis of a bottom-up integrated emissions framework, we first estimate the greenhouse gas emissions of 540 dishes from 36 cuisines using data from over 800,488 restaurants in China's provincial capital cities. By mining residents' dietary preferences, we then design various dietary change strategies to explicitly link food emissions to the Paris Agreement pledges. The results show that China's food system greenhouse gas emissions were approximately 4.64 GtCO2eq in 2020, accounting for 37% of total emissions, with average per-dish emissions of 8.44 kgCO2eq. Current emission patterns of food consumption in China may not be consistent with the attainment of the 1.5 °C and 2 °C climate targets, but transitioning towards low-emission cuisines and dishes could change that by reducing emissions by 38-69%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xian Yang
- School of Management Science and Engineering, Dongbei University of Finance and Economics, Dalian, China
| | - Qian Gao
- School of Management Science and Engineering, Dongbei University of Finance and Economics, Dalian, China
| | - Hongbo Duan
- School of Economics and Management, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Muhua Zhu
- PanshiData Technology, Shenyang, China
| | - Shouyang Wang
- School of Economics and Management, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Nikkhah A, Ghnimi S, Tichenor Blackstone N, Nikkhah F, Jacxsens L, Devlieghere F, Van Haute S. Inclusion of microbiological food safety as a novel aspect in life cycle assessments of food production. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:2353-2365. [PMID: 37621018 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2023.2248899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology currently covers a limited number of human health-related impact categories. Microbiological food safety is an essential aspect for the selection of an appropriate food production system and has been neglected in the LCA so far. A framework for the inclusion of a microbiological food safety indicator, expressed as disability-adjusted life year (DALY) value of the consumed food product to the human health damage category (end-point) was created, and applied in a case study model on the cooked-chilled meals as the ready-to-eat meals can be associated with the occurrence of foodborne illness cases and outbreaks. This study suggests a framework for the inclusion of microbiological risk caused by Bacillus cereus associated with the consumption of ready-to-eat meals (in Belgium) in the LCA. The results indicated that the microbiological risk of one package of the investigated ready-to-eat meal was 1.95 × 10-6 DALY, and the obtained DALY value was included as an impact category in the LCA methodology. Inclusion of other categories of food safety (including chemical safety hazards, pesticide residues, heavy metals, and mycotoxins) in LCA could be done in the same fashion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amin Nikkhah
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Environmental Technology, Food Technology and Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon, South Korea
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sami Ghnimi
- Department of Environmental Technology, Food Technology and Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon, South Korea
- Laboratory of Automatic Control, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering (LAGEPP), Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
- Department of food science, ISARA, Lyon, France
| | | | - Farima Nikkhah
- Department Industrial Engineering, Rahbord Shomal University, Rasht, Iran
| | - Liesbeth Jacxsens
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frank Devlieghere
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sam Van Haute
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Environmental Technology, Food Technology and Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhang XB, Soytas U. From dish-level emissions to Paris climate goals. NATURE FOOD 2024; 5:349-350. [PMID: 38773275 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-024-00974-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Bing Zhang
- Department of Technology, Management and Economics, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Ugur Soytas
- Department of Technology, Management and Economics, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Bueno de Mesquita CP, Vimercati Molano Y, Vimercati L, de Mesquita PJB. Using Evidence-based Scientific Research to Influence Dietary Behavioral Change: Taking a Look in the Mirror. New Solut 2024; 34:10-21. [PMID: 38426812 DOI: 10.1177/10482911241235380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Science can provide accurate information to society to inform decision-making and behavior. One contemporary topic in which the science is very clear, yet behavioral change has lagged, is climate change mitigation. Climate change scientists use evidence-based research to advocate to the public to adopt emission-reducing behaviors in various sectors such as transportation and food. However, scientists themselves often do not change their own behaviors according to the scientific consensus. We present a case study of a group of natural sciences PhD students, who, when presented with evidence and an opportunity for a behavioral change with implications for climate change mitigation, demonstrated defensive reactions that would undoubtedly frustrate these same scientists if they were doing public outreach about their own work. Our goal is to raise awareness that we scientists do not always practice what we preach but could perhaps overcome this by understanding the defense mechanisms that impede meaningful change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lara Vimercati
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Schüßler C, Nicolai S, Stoll-Kleemann S, Bartkowski B. Moral disengagement in the media discourses on meat and dairy production systems. Appetite 2024; 196:107269. [PMID: 38360400 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Meat and dairy production and consumption are the subject of ongoing public debates that touch on various sustainability issues such as biodiversity loss, climate change, animal welfare, and social and health aspects. Despite extensive discussions specifically relating to the environmental impacts of livestock farming in conjunction with animal welfare aspects, there have been no substantial changes in production or consumption patterns. Moreover, the focus of extant research is usually on consumers' responses to public concerns around livestock production. In this study, we shed light on the discrepancy between the normative discourse and action of relevant value chain actors with the help of Bandura's theory of moral disengagement, which allows us to identify mechanisms that contribute to the perpetuation of unsustainable production and consumption patterns. In particular, we focus on the shifting of responsibility between actors in the normatively charged field of sustainable livestock production. We collected 109 media interviews on meat and dairy production and consumption from the years 2020-2022, including interviews with actors from agriculture, processing industries, and food retail. Using qualitative content analysis, we investigated the role of moral disengagement in the media discourse on meat and dairy production and explored differences between actors in terms of moral disengagement. We found that shifting of responsibility shows a quasi-circular dynamic of being shifted from all actors to all, in our case most frequently to consumers, politics, and (diffuse) economic forces. In addition, our analysis showed the use of social justifications, beneficial comparisons, and euphemistic labelling to be common mechanisms of moral disengagement, constituting a collective problem within agri-food systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Schüßler
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Department of Economics, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany; University of Greifswald, Chair of Sustainability Science and Applied Geography, Domstraße 11, 17489, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Susanne Nicolai
- University of Greifswald, Chair of Sustainability Science and Applied Geography, Domstraße 11, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Susanne Stoll-Kleemann
- University of Greifswald, Chair of Sustainability Science and Applied Geography, Domstraße 11, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Bartosz Bartkowski
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Department of Economics, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany; Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Department of Economics, Große Steinstraße 73, 06108, Halle, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Chai Y, Hu Y. Characteristics and drivers of vegetation productivity sensitivity to increasing CO 2 at Northern Middle and High Latitudes. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11467. [PMID: 38799397 PMCID: PMC11116762 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding and accurately predicting how the sensitivity of terrestrial vegetation productivity to rising atmospheric CO2 concentration (β) is crucial for assessing carbon sink dynamics. However, the temporal characteristics and driving mechanisms of β remain uncertain. Here, observational and CMIP6 modeling evidence suggest a decreasing trend in β at the Northern Middle and High Latitudes during the historical period of 1982-2015 (-0.082 ± 0.005% 100 ppm-1 year-1). This decreasing trend is projected to persist until the end of the 21st century (-0.082 ± 0.005% 100 ppm-1 year-1 under SSP370 and -0.166 ± 0.006% 100 ppm-1 year-1 under SSP585). The declining β indicates a weakening capacity of vegetation to mitigate warming climates, posing challenges for achieving the temperature goals of the Paris Agreement. The rise in vapor pressure deficit (VPD), that triggers stomata closure and weakens photosynthesis, is considered as the dominated factor contributing to the historical and future decline in β, accounting for 62.3%-75.2% of the effect. Nutrient availability and water availability contribute 15.7%-21.4% and 8.5%-16.3%, respectively. These findings underscore the significant role of VPD in shaping terrestrial carbon sink dynamics, an aspect that is currently insufficiently considered in many climate and ecological models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanfang Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical ScienceBeijing Normal UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yong Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology, Institute of Earth EnvironmentChinese Academy of SciencesXi'anChina
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Verkuijl C, Dutkiewicz J, Scherer L, Behrens P, Lazarus M, Hötzel MJ, Nordquist R, Hayek M. FAO's 1.5 °C roadmap for food systems falls short. NATURE FOOD 2024; 5:264-266. [PMID: 38499746 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-024-00950-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Cleo Verkuijl
- Stockholm Environment Institute US, Somerville, MA, USA.
- Brooks McCormick Jr. Animal Law and Policy Program, Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | | | - Laura Scherer
- Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Paul Behrens
- Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Rebecca Nordquist
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Matthew Hayek
- Department of Environmental Studies, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Bartlett H, Zanella M, Kaori B, Sabei L, Araujo MS, de Paula TM, Zanella AJ, Holmes MA, Wood JLN, Balmford A. Trade-offs in the externalities of pig production are not inevitable. NATURE FOOD 2024; 5:312-322. [PMID: 38605128 PMCID: PMC11045459 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-024-00921-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Farming externalities are believed to co-vary negatively, yet trade-offs have rarely been quantified systematically. Here we present data from UK and Brazilian pig production systems representative of most commercial systems across the world ranging from 'intensive' indoor systems through to extensive free range, Organic and woodland systems to explore co-variation among four major externality costs. We found that no specific farming type was consistently associated with good performance across all domains. Generally, systems with low land use have low greenhouse gas emissions but high antimicrobial use and poor animal welfare, and vice versa. Some individual systems performed well in all domains but were not exclusive to any particular type of farming system. Our findings suggest that trade-offs may be avoidable if mitigation focuses on lowering impacts within system types rather than simply changing types of farming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Bartlett
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Smith School of Enterprise and Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Márcia Zanella
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Kaori
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leandro Sabei
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michelle S Araujo
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tauana Maria de Paula
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adroaldo J Zanella
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mark A Holmes
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - James L N Wood
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew Balmford
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kortleve AJ, Mogollón JM, Harwatt H, Behrens P. Over 80% of the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy supports emissions-intensive animal products. NATURE FOOD 2024; 5:288-292. [PMID: 38561459 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-024-00949-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The European Union's Common Agricultural Policy strongly influences the European Union's food system via agricultural subsidies. Linking global physical input-output datasets with public subsidy data reveals that current allocation favours animal-based foods, which uses 82% of the European Union's agricultural subsidies (38% directly and 44% for animal feed). Subsidy intensity (€ kg-1) for animal-based foods approximately doubles after feed inclusion. The same animal-based foods are associated with 84% of embodied greenhouse gas emissions of EU food production while supplying 35% of EU calories and 65% of proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anniek J Kortleve
- Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - José M Mogollón
- Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Helen Harwatt
- Chatham House, Royal Institute of International Affairs, London, UK
| | - Paul Behrens
- Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Kjeldsen MH, Weisbjerg MR, Larsen M, Højberg O, Ohlsson C, Walker N, Hellwing ALF, Lund P. Gas exchange, rumen hydrogen sinks, and nutrient digestibility and metabolism in lactating dairy cows fed 3-nitrooxypropanol and cracked rapeseed. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:2047-2065. [PMID: 37863291 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Fat in the form of cracked rapeseed and 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP, market as Bovaer) were fed alone or in combination to 4 Danish Holstein multicannulated dairy cows, with the objective to investigate effects on gas exchange, dry matter intake (DMI), nutrient digestion, and nutrient metabolism. The study design was a 4 × 4 Latin square with a 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement with 2 levels of fat supplementation; 33 g of crude fat per kg of dry matter (DM) or 64 g of crude fat per kg of DM for low and high fat diets, respectively, and 2 levels of 3-NOP; 0 mg/kg DM or 80 mg/kg DM. In total, 4 diets were formulated: low fat (LF), high fat (HF), 3-NOP and low fat (3LF), and 3-NOP and high fat (3HF). Cows were fed ad libitum and milked twice daily. The adaptation period lasted 11 d, followed by 5 d with 12 diurnal sampling times of digesta and ruminal fluid. Thereafter, gas exchange was measured for 5 d in respiration chambers. Chromic oxide and titanium dioxide were used as external flow markers to determine intestinal nutrient flow. No interactions between fat supplementation and 3-NOP were observed for methane yield (g/kg DM), total-tract digestibility of nutrients or total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration in the rumen. Methane yield (g/kg DMI) was decreased by 24% when cows were fed 3-NOP. In addition, 3-NOP increased carbon dioxide and hydrogen yield (g/kg DM) by 6% and 3,500%, respectively. However, carbon dioxide production was decreased when expressed on a daily basis. Fat supplementation did not affect methane yield but tended to reduce methane in percent of gross energy intake. A decrease (11%) in DMI was observed, when cows were fed 3-NOP. Likely, the lower DMI mediated a lower passage rate causing the tendency to higher rumen and total-tract neutral detergent fiber digestibility, when the cows were fed 3-NOP. Total VFA concentrations in the rumen were negatively affected both by 3-NOP and fat supplementation. Furthermore, 3-NOP caused a shift in the VFA fermentation profile, with decreased acetate proportion and increased butyrate proportion, whereas propionate proportion was unaffected. Increased concentrations of the alcohols methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, and 2-butanol were observed in the ruminal fluid when cows were fed 3-NOP. These changes in rumen metabolites indicate partial re-direction of hydrogen into other hydrogen sinks, when methanogenesis is inhibited by 3-NOP. In conclusion, fat supplementation did not reduce methane yield, whereas 3-NOP reduced methane yield, irrespective of fat level. However, the concentration of 3-NOP and diet composition and resulting desired mitigation effect must be considered before implementation. The observed reduction in DMI with 80 mg 3-NOP/kg DM was intriguing and may indicate that a lower dose should be applied in a Northern European context; however, the mechanism behind needs further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria H Kjeldsen
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, AU Viborg-Research Centre Foulum, Aarhus University, 8830 DK-Tjele, Denmark.
| | - Martin R Weisbjerg
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, AU Viborg-Research Centre Foulum, Aarhus University, 8830 DK-Tjele, Denmark
| | - Mogens Larsen
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, AU Viborg-Research Centre Foulum, Aarhus University, 8830 DK-Tjele, Denmark
| | - Ole Højberg
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, AU Viborg-Research Centre Foulum, Aarhus University, 8830 DK-Tjele, Denmark
| | - Christer Ohlsson
- Department of Animal Nutrition, DSM Nutritional Products, 4303 Kaiseraugst, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Walker
- Department of Animal Nutrition, DSM Nutritional Products, 4303 Kaiseraugst, Switzerland
| | - Anne Louise F Hellwing
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, AU Viborg-Research Centre Foulum, Aarhus University, 8830 DK-Tjele, Denmark
| | - Peter Lund
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, AU Viborg-Research Centre Foulum, Aarhus University, 8830 DK-Tjele, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zhang Y, Yang Y. Estimating the carbon footprint of Mexican food consumption based on a high-resolution environmentally extended input-output model. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:27192-27202. [PMID: 38509310 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32873-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Increased global attention is being paid to the food-health-climate trilemma. In this study, we evaluate the climate impacts of Mexico's food consumption patterns by creating a high-resolution (262 sectors) Environmentally Extended Input-Output (EEIO) model called MXEEIO. We focus on the differences between food away from home (FAFH) and food at home (FAH) and compare Mexico's results with those of the USA. The results show that the main components of food spending in Mexico were meat, baked products, and beverages, raising concerns about their potential negative health effects if consumed excessively. Mexico's total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from food consumption were estimated at 149 million metric tons (MMT) in 2013, as opposed to 797 MMT for the USA. Meat and dairy products were the main contributors to Mexico's food-related GHG emissions, accounting for 57% of total emissions. Mexico spent a much smaller proportion of food-related income on FAFH than the USA (13% vs. 52%), suggesting great potential for growth as Mexico's per capita GDP continues to rise. Detailed contribution analysis shows that reducing Mexico's food-related GHG emissions would benefit most from a transition to low-carbon cattle farming, but mitigation efforts in other sectors such as crop cultivation and electricity generation are also important. Overall, our study underscores the significance of food-related GHG emissions in Mexico, especially those from meat and dairy products, and the mitigation challenges these sectors face.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China.
- College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Benthem de Grave R, Bull CN, Monjardino de Souza Monteiro D, Margariti E, McMurchy G, Hutchinson JW, Smeddinck JD. Smartphone Apps for Food Purchase Choices: Scoping Review of Designs, Opportunities, and Challenges. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e45904. [PMID: 38446500 PMCID: PMC10955402 DOI: 10.2196/45904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smartphone apps can aid consumers in making healthier and more sustainable food purchases. However, there is still a limited understanding of the different app design approaches and their impact on food purchase choices. An overview of existing food purchase choice apps and an understanding of common challenges can help speed up effective future developments. OBJECTIVE We examined the academic literature on food purchase choice apps and provided an overview of the design characteristics, opportunities, and challenges for effective implementation. Thus, we contribute to an understanding of how technologies can effectively improve food purchase choice behavior and provide recommendations for future design efforts. METHODS Following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines, we considered peer-reviewed literature on food purchase choice apps within IEEE Xplore, PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. We inductively coded and summarized design characteristics. Opportunities and challenges were addressed from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives. From the quantitative perspective, we coded and summarized outcomes of comparative evaluation trials. From the qualitative perspective, we performed a qualitative content analysis of commonly discussed opportunities and challenges. RESULTS We retrieved 55 articles, identified 46 unique apps, and grouped them into 5 distinct app types. Each app type supports a specific purchase choice stage and shares a common functional design. Most apps support the product selection stage (selection apps; 27/46, 59%), commonly by scanning the barcode and displaying a nutritional rating. In total, 73% (8/11) of the evaluation trials reported significant findings and indicated the potential of food purchase choice apps to support behavior change. However, relatively few evaluations covered the selection app type, and these studies showed mixed results. We found a common opportunity in apps contributing to learning (knowledge gain), whereas infrequent engagement presents a common challenge. The latter was associated with perceived burden of use, trust, and performance as well as with learning. In addition, there were technical challenges in establishing comprehensive product information databases or achieving performance accuracy with advanced identification methods such as image recognition. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that designs of food purchase choice apps do not encourage repeated use or long-term adoption, compromising the effectiveness of behavior change through nudging. However, we found that smartphone apps can enhance learning, which plays an important role in behavior change. Compared with nudging as a mechanism for behavior change, this mechanism is less dependent on continued use. We argue that designs that optimize for learning within each interaction have a better chance of achieving behavior change. This review concludes with design recommendations, suggesting that food purchase choice app designers anticipate the possibility of early abandonment as part of their design process and design apps that optimize the learning experience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Remco Benthem de Grave
- Open Lab, School of Computing, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher N Bull
- Open Lab, School of Computing, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | - Eleni Margariti
- Open Lab, School of Computing, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth McMurchy
- Open Lab, School of Computing, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jan David Smeddinck
- Open Lab, School of Computing, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Digital Health and Prevention, Salzburg, Austria
- Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Guy DJ, Bray J, Appleton KM. Select dietary changes towards sustainability: Impacts on dietary profiles, environmental footprint, and cost. Appetite 2024; 194:107194. [PMID: 38154573 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.107194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Healthy sustainable diets have the power to improve dietary intakes and environmental resource use. However, recommendations for improving food choices need to consider the effects of any changes across multiple dimensions of health, environmental sustainability, and dietary cost to promote long-lasting behaviour change. The aim of this study was to identify differences between original diets, and the diets that can be achieved through the implementation of select small dietary changes towards sustainability. Twelve hypothetical sustainable actions were investigated for the potential effects of these actions on dietary markers (protein, saturated fat, sugars, salt, iron, and calcium), environmental footprints (greenhouse gas emissions, freshwater withdrawals, and land use), and dietary cost. Dietary data from 1235 individuals, aged 19-94 years, participating in the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (2017/19) provided the original diet. Dietary changes were implemented as required by each sustainable action, and differences between the original diet and each new diet were investigated. Results revealed benefits to dietary markers and environmental characteristics from eleven sustainable actions (range: F(1,728) = 5.80, p < .001 to F(1,506) = 435.04, p < .001), but effects were stronger for some actions than for others. Greatest benefits for all three outcomes were found for actions which reduced meat consumption and/or replaced meat with pulses or eggs. The remaining sustainable actions tended to be beneficial for improving outcomes individually or to some degree. Our results demonstrate the possible impacts of a number of small sustainable dietary actions for dietary, environmental, and cost outcomes, and provide a hierarchy of actions based on benefit. Findings may facilitate dietary behaviours towards improved health, whilst also offering fruitful contributions towards environmental footprint targets in the UK.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle J Guy
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, UK.
| | - Jeffery Bray
- Bournemouth University Business School, Bournemouth University, UK
| | - Katherine M Appleton
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, UK
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Liu G, Deng X, Zhang F. The spatial and source heterogeneity of agricultural emissions highlight necessity of tailored regional mitigation strategies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 914:169917. [PMID: 38199376 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.169917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Agriculture contributes considerable greenhouse gas emissions while feed the constantly expanding world population. The challenge of balancing food security with emissions reduction to create a mutually beneficial situation is paramount. However, assessing targeted mitigation potential for agricultural emissions remains challenging, lacking comprehensive sub-national evaluations. Here, we have meticulously compiled the agricultural greenhouse gas emission inventories of China spanning the years 2000 to 2019, employing spatial analysis techniques to identify regional characteristics. We find that the peak of China's agricultural production emissions occurred in 2015 (1.03 × 109 tCO2 equivalent), followed by a valley in 2019 (0.94 tCO2 equivalent), largely attributed to shifts in livestock-related activities. Notably, methane emissions were the most dominant greenhouse gas, the Hunan province emerged as a prominent contributor, livestock raising stood out as a major activity, and enteric fermentation ranked as the primary emission source. There were substantial differences in the emission structure and sources among the provinces. Further spatial analysis showed geographical disparities in both total emissions and per capita emissions. The west-east blocked spatial characteristics of per capita emissions at the Hu Line sides emerged. We advocate that tailored mitigation strategy focusing on specific emission sources and regions can achieve substantial progress with minimal effort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangzheng Deng
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; School of Economics and Management, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Fan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Omuse ER, Tonnang HEZ, Yusuf AA, Machekano H, Egonyu JP, Kimathi E, Mohamed SF, Kassie M, Subramanian S, Onditi J, Mwangi S, Ekesi S, Niassy S. The global atlas of edible insects: analysis of diversity and commonality contributing to food systems and sustainability. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5045. [PMID: 38424443 PMCID: PMC10904393 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55603-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The future of the food system on the planet is increasingly facing uncertainties that are attributable to population growth and a surge in demand for nutritious food. Traditional agricultural practices are poised to place strain on production, as well as natural resources and ecosystem services provided, particularly under a changing climate. Given their remarkable attributes, including a low environmental footprint, high food conversion ratio, rapid growth and nutritional values, edible insects can play a vital role in the global food system. Nonetheless, substantial knowledge gaps persist regarding their diversity, global distribution, and shared characteristics across regions, potentially impeding effective scaling and access to edible insects. Therefore, we compiled and analysed the fragmented database on edible insects and identified potential drivers that elucidate insect consumption, globally, focusing on promoting a sustainable food system. We collated data from various sources, including the literature for a list of edible insect species, the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and iNaturalist for the geographical presence of edible insects, the Copernicus Land Service library for Global Land Cover, and FAOSTAT for population, income, and nutritional security parameters. Subsequently, we performed a series of analytics at the country, regional and continental levels. Our study identifies 2205 insect species, consumed across 128 countries globally. Among continents, Asia has the highest number of edible insects (932 species), followed by North America (mainly Mexico) and Africa. The countries with the highest consumption of insects are Mexico (450 species), Thailand (272 species), India (262 species), DRC (255 species), China (235 species), Brazil (140 species), Japan (123 species), and Cameroon (100 species). Our study also revealed some common and specific practices related to edible insect access and utilisation among countries and regions. Although insect consumption is often rooted in cultural practices, it exhibits correlations with land cover, the geographical presence of potentially edible insects, the size of a country's population, and income levels. The practice of eating insects is linked to the culture of people in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, while increased consciousness and the need for food sustainability are driving most of the European countries to evaluate eating insects. Therefore, edible insects are becoming an increasingly significant part of the future of planetary food systems. Therefore, more proactive efforts are required to promote them for their effective contribution to achieving sustainable food production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evanson R Omuse
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa
| | - Henri E Z Tonnang
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Abdullahi Ahmed Yusuf
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa
| | - Honest Machekano
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa
| | | | - Emily Kimathi
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Samira Faris Mohamed
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Menale Kassie
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sevgan Subramanian
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Juliet Onditi
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Serah Mwangi
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sunday Ekesi
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Saliou Niassy
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
- Inter-African Phytosanitary Council of African Union (AU-IAPSC), P.O Box 4170, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Wang Q, Zhang C, Li R. Impact of different geopolitical factors on the energy transition: The role of geopolitical threats, geopolitical acts, and geopolitical risks. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 352:119962. [PMID: 38183914 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
In order to better understand the impact of different geopolitical factors on energy transition, the impact of geopolitical threats (war threats, peace threats, military buildups, nuclear threats and terror threats), geopolitical acts (beginning of war, escalation of war and terror acts), and geopolitical risks on energy transition were systematically investigated. Green technologies, natural resource rents and trade openness were incorporated into the analytical framework, and a dynamic panel threshold model was utilized to explore the impact of geopolitical risks on energy transition across different income levels. To this end, data on geopolitical threats, geopolitical acts, geopolitical risks, energy transitions and other key social economic factors for 38 countries from 2000 to 2022 were collected. The heterogeneity simulation results show that there is a negative correlation between geopolitical threats, geopolitical acts, geopolitical risks and energy transition. Moreover, geopolitical threats have more significant hindrance to the energy transition than geopolitical acts. The results of the nonlinear panel simulation show that there is a double threshold effect of geopolitical risks on energy transition. When geopolitical risk crosses the threshold (0.5197), the coefficient decreases to -0.29, which means that the rising geopolitical risk increases the inhibition on energy transition, and the inhibitory effect is slightly weakened after a certain level. Finally, policy implications are offered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wang
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580, People's Republic of China; School of Economics and Management, Xinjiang University, Wulumuqi, 830046, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chen Zhang
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongrong Li
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580, People's Republic of China; School of Economics and Management, Xinjiang University, Wulumuqi, 830046, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Lauk C, Magerl A, le Noë J, Theurl MC, Gingrich S. Analyzing long-term dynamics of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions in Austria, 1830-2018. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 911:168667. [PMID: 37996017 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Agriculture is an important contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. While the development of agricultural GHG emissions on national and global scales is well studied for the last three to six decades, little is known about their trajectory and drivers over longer periods. In this article, we address this research gap by calculating and analyzing GHG emissions related to agriculture in Austria from 1830 to 2018. We calculate territorial emissions on an annual basis and include all GHG emissions from the processes directly involved in agricultural production. Based on this time series, we quantify the relative importance of major drivers of changes in GHG emissions across time and agricultural product categories, applying a structural decomposition analysis. We find that agricultural GHG emissions in Austria increased by 69 % over the total study period, from 4.6 Mt. CO2e/yr in 1830 to 7.7 Mt. CO2e/yr in 2018. While emissions increased only moderately from 1830 to 1945 (+22 % overall), with strong fluctuations between 1914 and 1945, they doubled from 1945 to 1985. In the most recent period from 1985 to 2018, emissions fell by one third, with decreases leveling off over time. Our decomposition analysis reveals that increases in agricultural production per capita most importantly contributed to the high growth in GHG emissions from 1945 to 1985. Conversely, decreasing emission intensities of products and a more climate friendly product mix were key drivers in the emissions reduction observed after 1985. We also contribute to the discussion around the global warming potential star (GWP*), by calculating GHG emissions based on this alternative metric, and contextualize our data within total socio-economic GHG emission trends. By providing insights into the historical trends and drivers of agricultural GHG emissions, our findings enhance the understanding of their long-term historical dynamics and adds to the knowledge base for future mitigation efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Lauk
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Social Ecology, Schottenfeldgasse 29, 1070 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Andreas Magerl
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Social Ecology, Schottenfeldgasse 29, 1070 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Julia le Noë
- Institut des Sciences de l'Ecologie et de l'Environnement de Paris (CNRS, Sorbonne Université, IRD, INRAE, UPEC, Université Paris-Cité), Sorbonne Université, 4 place Jussieu, 75252 Paris Cedex 05, France.
| | - Michaela C Theurl
- Environment Agency Austria, Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Simone Gingrich
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Social Ecology, Schottenfeldgasse 29, 1070 Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Loken B. It's time to put healthy and sustainable diets on the table. Am J Clin Nutr 2024; 119:248-249. [PMID: 38182444 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Brent Loken
- Global Food Lead Scientist, World Wildlife Fund, Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Zhang H, Adalibieke W, Ba W, Butterbach-Bahl K, Yu L, Cai A, Fu J, Yu H, Zhang W, Huang W, Jian Y, Jiang W, Zhao Z, Luo J, Deng J, Zhou F. Modeling denitrification nitrogen losses in China's rice fields based on multiscale field-experiment constraints. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2024; 30:e17199. [PMID: 38385944 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Denitrification plays a critical role in soil nitrogen (N) cycling, affecting N availability in agroecosystems. However, the challenges in direct measurement of denitrification products (NO, N2 O, and N2 ) hinder our understanding of denitrification N losses patterns across the spatial scale. To address this gap, we constructed a data-model fusion method to map the county-scale denitrification N losses from China's rice fields over the past decade. The estimated denitrification N losses as a percentage of N application from 2009 to 2018 were 11.8 ± 4.0% for single rice, 12.4 ± 3.7% for early rice, and 11.6 ± 3.1% for late rice. The model results showed that the spatial heterogeneity of denitrification N losses is primarily driven by edaphic and climatic factors rather than by management practices. In particular, diffusion and production rates emerged as key contributors to the variation of denitrification N losses. These findings humanize a 38.9 ± 4.8 kg N ha-1 N loss by denitrification and challenge the common hypothesis that substrate availability drives the pattern of N losses by denitrification in rice fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huayan Zhang
- Institute of Carbon Neutrality, Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wulahati Adalibieke
- Institute of Carbon Neutrality, Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenxin Ba
- Institute of Carbon Neutrality, Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Longfei Yu
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Andong Cai
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Fu
- College of Geography and Remote Sensing, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haoming Yu
- Institute of Carbon Neutrality, Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wantong Zhang
- Institute of Carbon Neutrality, Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Weichen Huang
- Institute of Carbon Neutrality, Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yiwei Jian
- Institute of Carbon Neutrality, Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjun Jiang
- Institute of Carbon Neutrality, Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Zhao
- Institute of Ecological Environment Protection Research, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiafa Luo
- AgResearch Ruakura, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Jia Deng
- Earth Systems Research Center, Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Feng Zhou
- Institute of Carbon Neutrality, Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- College of Geography and Remote Sensing, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Zhu Y, Xie F, Wun TCK, Li K, Lin H, Tsoi CC, Jia H, Chai Y, Zhao Q, Lo BT, Leu S, Jia Y, Ren K, Zhang X. Bio-Inspired Microreactors Continuously Synthesize Glucose Precursor from CO 2 with an Energy Conversion Efficiency 3.3 Times of Rice. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305629. [PMID: 38044316 PMCID: PMC10853710 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Excessive CO2 and food shortage are two grand challenges of human society. Directly converting CO2 into food materials can simultaneously alleviate both, like what green crops do in nature. Nevertheless, natural photosynthesis has a limited energy efficiency due to low activity and specificity of key enzyme D-ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO). To enhance the efficiency, many prior studies focused on engineering the enzymes, but this study chooses to learn from the nature to design more efficient reactors. This work is original in mimicking the stacked structure of thylakoids in chloroplasts to immobilize RuBisCO in a microreactor using the layer-by-layer strategy, obtaining the continuous conversion of CO2 into glucose precursor at 1.9 nmol min-1 with enhanced activity (1.5 times), stability (≈8 times), and reusability (96% after 10 reuses) relative to the free RuBisCO. The microreactors are further scaled out from one to six in parallel and achieve the production at 15.8 nmol min-1 with an energy conversion efficiency of 3.3 times of rice, showing better performance of this artificial synthesis than NPS in terms of energy conversion efficiency. The exploration of the potential of mass production would benefit both food supply and carbon neutralization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yujiao Zhu
- Department of Applied PhysicsThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityKowloonHong Kong999077China
- Department of ChemistryHong Kong Baptist UniversityKowloonHong Kong999077China
- Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality (RCRE)The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityKowloonHong Kong999077China
| | - Fengjia Xie
- Department of Applied PhysicsThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityKowloonHong Kong999077China
- Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality (RCRE)The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityKowloonHong Kong999077China
| | - Tommy Ching Kit Wun
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical TechnologyThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityKowloonHong Kong999077China
| | - Kecheng Li
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical TechnologyThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityKowloonHong Kong999077China
| | - Huan Lin
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and SeparationDepartment of Chemical EngineeringBeijing University of TechnologyBeijing100124China
| | - Chi Chung Tsoi
- Department of Applied PhysicsThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityKowloonHong Kong999077China
- Photonics Research InstituteThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityKowloonHong Kong999077China
| | - Huaping Jia
- Department of Applied PhysicsThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityKowloonHong Kong999077China
- Photonics Research InstituteThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityKowloonHong Kong999077China
| | - Yao Chai
- Department of Applied PhysicsThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityKowloonHong Kong999077China
- Photonics Research InstituteThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityKowloonHong Kong999077China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical TechnologyThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityKowloonHong Kong999077China
| | - Benedict Tsz‐woon Lo
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical TechnologyThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityKowloonHong Kong999077China
| | - Shao‐Yuan Leu
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityKowloonHong Kong999077China
| | - Yanwei Jia
- State‐Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed‐Signal VLSI, Institute of MicroelectronicsFaculty of Science and Technology – ECEFaculty of Health Sciencesand MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision OncologyUniversity of MacauMacau999078China
| | - Kangning Ren
- Department of ChemistryHong Kong Baptist UniversityKowloonHong Kong999077China
| | - Xuming Zhang
- Department of Applied PhysicsThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityKowloonHong Kong999077China
- Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality (RCRE)The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityKowloonHong Kong999077China
- Photonics Research InstituteThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityKowloonHong Kong999077China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Driscoll AW, Conant RT, Marston LT, Choi E, Mueller ND. Greenhouse gas emissions from US irrigation pumping and implications for climate-smart irrigation policy. Nat Commun 2024; 15:675. [PMID: 38253564 PMCID: PMC10803728 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44920-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Irrigation reduces crop vulnerability to drought and heat stress and thus is a promising climate change adaptation strategy. However, irrigation also produces greenhouse gas emissions through pump energy use. To assess potential conflicts between adaptive irrigation expansion and agricultural emissions mitigation efforts, we calculated county-level emissions from irrigation energy use in the US using fuel expenditures, prices, and emissions factors. Irrigation pump energy use produced 12.6 million metric tonnes CO2e in the US in 2018 (90% CI: 10.4, 15.0), predominantly attributable to groundwater pumping. Groundwater reliance, irrigated area extent, water demand, fuel choice, and electrical grid emissions intensity drove spatial heterogeneity in emissions. Due to heavy reliance on electrical pumps, projected reductions in electrical grid emissions intensity are estimated to reduce pumping emissions by 46% by 2050, with further reductions possible through pump electrification. Quantification of irrigation-related emissions will enable targeted emissions reduction efforts and climate-smart irrigation expansion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Avery W Driscoll
- Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
| | - Richard T Conant
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Landon T Marston
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Eunkyoung Choi
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Nathaniel D Mueller
- Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Liu L, Zhou W, Guan K, Peng B, Xu S, Tang J, Zhu Q, Till J, Jia X, Jiang C, Wang S, Qin Z, Kong H, Grant R, Mezbahuddin S, Kumar V, Jin Z. Knowledge-guided machine learning can improve carbon cycle quantification in agroecosystems. Nat Commun 2024; 15:357. [PMID: 38191521 PMCID: PMC10774286 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43860-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Accurate and cost-effective quantification of the carbon cycle for agroecosystems at decision-relevant scales is critical to mitigating climate change and ensuring sustainable food production. However, conventional process-based or data-driven modeling approaches alone have large prediction uncertainties due to the complex biogeochemical processes to model and the lack of observations to constrain many key state and flux variables. Here we propose a Knowledge-Guided Machine Learning (KGML) framework that addresses the above challenges by integrating knowledge embedded in a process-based model, high-resolution remote sensing observations, and machine learning (ML) techniques. Using the U.S. Corn Belt as a testbed, we demonstrate that KGML can outperform conventional process-based and black-box ML models in quantifying carbon cycle dynamics. Our high-resolution approach quantitatively reveals 86% more spatial detail of soil organic carbon changes than conventional coarse-resolution approaches. Moreover, we outline a protocol for improving KGML via various paths, which can be generalized to develop hybrid models to better predict complex earth system dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Licheng Liu
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Wang Zhou
- Agroecosystem Sustainability Center, Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Kaiyu Guan
- Agroecosystem Sustainability Center, Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Department of Computer Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- National Center for Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
| | - Bin Peng
- Agroecosystem Sustainability Center, Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Shaoming Xu
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Jinyun Tang
- Earth and Environmental Sciences Area, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Qing Zhu
- Earth and Environmental Sciences Area, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Jessica Till
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Xiaowei Jia
- Department of Computer Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Chongya Jiang
- Agroecosystem Sustainability Center, Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Sheng Wang
- Agroecosystem Sustainability Center, Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University, 4200, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Ziqi Qin
- Agroecosystem Sustainability Center, Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Hui Kong
- Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Robert Grant
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G2E3, Canada
| | - Symon Mezbahuddin
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G2E3, Canada
- Environmental Knowledge and Prediction Branch, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, Edmonton, AB, T5K 2J6, Canada
| | - Vipin Kumar
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Zhenong Jin
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Duval E, Lecorps B, von Keyserlingk MAG. Are regulations addressing farm animal welfare issues during live transportation fit for purpose? A multi-country jurisdictional check. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:231072. [PMID: 38269076 PMCID: PMC10805601 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.231072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Growing animal welfare concerns have pushed some jurisdictions to strengthen regulations addressing live farm animal transportation, but whether they provide satisfactory levels of protection for animals remains to be shown. Using the recent peer-reviewed literature, we identified four major risk factors associated with live animal transportation (fitness for transport, journey duration, climatic conditions and space allowances) and explored how regulations were structured to prevent animal welfare issues in five English-speaking Western jurisdictions (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the EU and the USA). All legally binding federal regulations were systematically reviewed and compared. Whether these rules were fit for purpose was assessed using the relevant peer-reviewed scientific literature. Our findings indicate the majority of regulations in most jurisdictions are often insufficient or too vague to be deemed fit for purpose. All five jurisdictions fall short in guaranteeing adequate protection to livestock during transport. Using recent changes as well as future policy proposals under discussion, we identify future directions that could form the basis for regulatory changes that may significantly improve the welfare of farm animals during transportation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugénie Duval
- Essex Law School, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Benjamin Lecorps
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Marina A. G. von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Schwarz A, Hernandez L, Arefin S, Sartirana E, Witasp A, Wernerson A, Stenvinkel P, Kublickiene K. Sweet, bloody consumption - what we eat and how it affects vascular ageing, the BBB and kidney health in CKD. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2341449. [PMID: 38686499 PMCID: PMC11062370 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2341449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
In today's industrialized society food consumption has changed immensely toward heightened red meat intake and use of artificial sweeteners instead of grains and vegetables or sugar, respectively. These dietary changes affect public health in general through an increased incidence of metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity, with a further elevated risk for cardiorenal complications. Research shows that high red meat intake and artificial sweeteners ingestion can alter the microbial composition and further intestinal wall barrier permeability allowing increased transmission of uremic toxins like p-cresyl sulfate, indoxyl sulfate, trimethylamine n-oxide and phenylacetylglutamine into the blood stream causing an array of pathophysiological effects especially as a strain on the kidneys, since they are responsible for clearing out the toxins. In this review, we address how the burden of the Western diet affects the gut microbiome in altering the microbial composition and increasing the gut permeability for uremic toxins and the detrimental effects thereof on early vascular aging, the kidney per se and the blood-brain barrier, in addition to the potential implications for dietary changes/interventions to preserve the health issues related to chronic diseases in future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Schwarz
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Renal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Leah Hernandez
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Renal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Samsul Arefin
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Renal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elisa Sartirana
- Department of Translational Medicine, Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Anna Witasp
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Renal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Annika Wernerson
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Renal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Stenvinkel
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Renal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Renal Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karolina Kublickiene
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Renal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Arrazat L, Nicklaus S, de Lauzon-Guillain B, Marty L. Identification of three dietary groups in French university students and their associations with nutritional quality and environmental impact. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1323648. [PMID: 38188873 PMCID: PMC10771388 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1323648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The student period is associated with changes in eating habits, usually leading to diets of lower nutritional quality. However, some variability may exist in students' dietary patterns. We aimed to describe French students' diets and identify dietary groups that may vary in nutritional quality and environmental impact. Methods A representative sample of French students (N = 582) for age, sex and scholarship status completed an online 125-item food frequency questionnaire. The nutritional quality of diets was assessed by a score of adherence to the French nutritional guidelines (sPNNS-GS2 score, ranging from-17 to 11.5) and its environmental impact by greenhouse gas emissions for an isocaloric diet (GHGE). An ascending hierarchical classification analysis on food and beverage intakes led to three dietary groups. Between-group differences in food consumption, dietary indicators and sociodemographic characteristics were investigated using ANOVA models. Results The average sPNNS-GS2 score of students' diets was -0.8 ± 2.8, representing a 57% coverage of French nutritional recommendations, and GHGE were 5.4 ± 1.7 kg eCO2/2000 kcal. The three dietary groups were: a healthy diet group (20% of the sample) with the highest nutritional quality and high GHGE, which included older students with a higher level of physical activity; a Western diet group (40%) with the worst nutritional quality and high GHGE, which included more students who lived with their parents; and a frugal diet group (40%) with the lowest energy intake, intermediate nutritional quality, and low GHGE, which included more students who lived alone. Conclusion None of the dietary groups optimized both nutritional quality and environmental impact simultaneously, which suggests an apparent incompatibility in the student population between these two sustainability dimensions. These findings emphasize the need for tailored public health policies that acknowledge the diversity of student eating patterns and address specific individual barriers to healthy and sustainable diets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Arrazat
- Centre des Sciences Du Goût et de l’Alimentation, CNRS, INRAE, Institut Agro, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Sophie Nicklaus
- Centre des Sciences Du Goût et de l’Alimentation, CNRS, INRAE, Institut Agro, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Blandine de Lauzon-Guillain
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Inserm, INRAE, Center for Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS, Paris, France
| | - Lucile Marty
- Centre des Sciences Du Goût et de l’Alimentation, CNRS, INRAE, Institut Agro, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Kazimierczuk K, Barrows SE, Olarte MV, Qafoku NP. Decarbonization of Agriculture: The Greenhouse Gas Impacts and Economics of Existing and Emerging Climate-Smart Practices. ACS ENGINEERING AU 2023; 3:426-442. [PMID: 38144676 PMCID: PMC10739617 DOI: 10.1021/acsengineeringau.3c00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
The worldwide emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has increased focus on the potential to mitigate emissions through climate-smart agricultural practices, including regenerative, digital, and controlled environment farming systems. The effectiveness of these solutions largely depends on their ability to address environmental concerns, generate economic returns, and meet supply chain needs. In this Review, we summarize the state of knowledge on the GHG impacts and profitability of these three existing and emerging farming systems. Although we find potential for CO2 mitigation in all three approaches (depending on site-specific and climatic factors), we point to the greater level of research covering the efficacy of regenerative and digital agriculture in tackling non-CO2 emissions (i.e., N2O and CH4), which account for the majority of agriculture's GHG footprint. Despite this greater research coverage, we still find significant methodological and data limitations in accounting for the major GHG fluxes of these practices, especially the lifetime CH4 footprint of more nascent climate-smart regenerative agriculture practices. Across the approaches explored, uncertainties remain about the overall efficacy and persistence of mitigation-particularly with respect to the offsetting of soil carbon sequestration gains by N2O emissions and the lifecycle emissions of controlled environment agriculture systems compared to traditional systems. We find that the economic feasibility of these practices is also system-specific, although regenerative agriculture is generally the most accessible climate-smart approach. Robust incentives (including carbon credit considerations), investments, and policy changes would make these practices more financially accessible to farmers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Kazimierczuk
- Pacific
Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
| | - Sarah E. Barrows
- Pacific
Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
| | - Mariefel V. Olarte
- Pacific
Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
| | - Nikolla P. Qafoku
- Pacific
Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 99195, United States
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Blaustein-Rejto D, Soltis N, Blomqvist L. Carbon opportunity cost increases carbon footprint advantage of grain-finished beef. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295035. [PMID: 38091302 PMCID: PMC10718409 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Beef production accounts for the largest share of global livestock greenhouse gas emissions and is an important target for climate mitigation efforts. Most life-cycle assessments comparing the carbon footprint of beef production systems have been limited to production emissions. None also consider potential carbon sequestration due to grazing and alternate uses of land used for production. We assess the carbon footprint of 100 beef production systems in 16 countries, including production emissions, soil carbon sequestration from grazing, and carbon opportunity cost-the potential carbon sequestration that could occur on land if it were not used for production. We conduct a pairwise comparison of pasture-finished operations in which cattle almost exclusively consume grasses and forage, and grain-finished operations in which cattle are first grazed and then fed a grain-based diet. We find that pasture-finished operations have 20% higher production emissions and 42% higher carbon footprint than grain-finished systems. We also find that more land-intensive operations generally have higher carbon footprints. Regression analysis indicates that a 10% increase in land-use intensity is associated with a 4.8% increase in production emissions, but a 9.0% increase in carbon footprint, including production emissions, soil carbon sequestration and carbon opportunity cost. The carbon opportunity cost of operations was, on average, 130% larger than production emissions. These results point to the importance of accounting for carbon opportunity cost in assessing the sustainability of beef production systems and developing climate mitigation strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole Soltis
- California Council on Science and Technology, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Linus Blomqvist
- The Breakthrough Institute, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Hoy ZX, Woon KS, Chin WC, Van Fan Y, Yoo SJ. Curbing global solid waste emissions toward net-zero warming futures. Science 2023; 382:797-800. [PMID: 37972189 DOI: 10.1126/science.adg3177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
No global analysis has considered the warming that could be averted through improved solid waste management and how much that could contribute to meeting the Paris Agreement's 1.5° and 2°C pathway goals or the terms of the Global Methane Pledge. With our estimated global solid waste generation of 2.56 to 3.33 billion tonnes by 2050, implementing abrupt technical and behavioral changes could result in a net-zero warming solid waste system relative to 2020, leading to 11 to 27 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide warming-equivalent emissions under the temperature limits. These changes, however, require accelerated adoption within 9 to 17 years (by 2033 to 2041) to align with the Global Methane Pledge. Rapidly reducing methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide emissions is necessary to maximize the short-term climate benefits and stop the ongoing temperature rise.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Xuan Hoy
- New Energy Science and Engineering Department, School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Malaysia, Bandar Sunsuria 43900, Malaysia
| | - Kok Sin Woon
- New Energy Science and Engineering Department, School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Malaysia, Bandar Sunsuria 43900, Malaysia
| | - Wen Cheong Chin
- Department of Mathematics, Xiamen University Malaysia, Bandar Sunsuria 43900, Malaysia
| | - Yee Van Fan
- Sustainable Process Integration Laboratory (SPIL), NETME Centre, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Brno University of Technology, Brno 61669, Czech Republic
| | - Seung Jick Yoo
- Department of Climate and Environmental Studies, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Surya Ulhas R, Ravindran R, Malaviya A, Priyadarshini A, Tiwari BK, Rajauria G. A review of alternative proteins for vegan diets: Sources, physico-chemical properties, nutritional equivalency, and consumer acceptance. Food Res Int 2023; 173:113479. [PMID: 37803803 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Alternate proteins are gaining popularity as a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to animal-based proteins. These proteins are often considered healthier and are suitable for people following a vegetarian or vegan diet. Alternative proteins can be recovered from natural sources like legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds, while single cell proteins (mycoproteins), and algal proteins are being developed using cutting-edge technology to grow fungus, yeast and algal cells in a controlled environment, creating a more sustainable source of protein. Although, the demand for alternative protein products is increasing, there still happens to be a large gap in use among the general consumers mainly stemming from its lower bioavailability, lack of nutritional equivalency and reduced digestibility compared to animal proteins. The focus of the review is to emphasize on various sources and technologies for recovering alternative proteins for vegan diets. The review discusses physicochemical properties of alternative proteins and emphasise on the role of various processing technologies that can change the digestibility and bioavailability of these proteins. It further accentuates the nutritional equivalency and environmental sustainability of alternative protein against the conventional proteins from animals. The food laws surrounding alternative proteins as well as the commercial potential and consumer acceptance of alternative protein products are also highlighted. Finally, key challenges to improve the consumer acceptability and market value of plant-based proteins would be in achieving nutrient equivalency and enhance bioavailability and digestibility while maintaining the same physicochemical properties, taste, texture, as animal proteins, has also been highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rutwick Surya Ulhas
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany.
| | - Rajeev Ravindran
- Circular Bioeconomy Research Group, Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre, Munster Technology, Tralee, Ireland.
| | - Alok Malaviya
- Applied and Industrial Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed-to-Be University), Bangalore, Karnataka, India; QuaLife Biotech Private Limited, Hosur Road, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
| | - Anushree Priyadarshini
- Environmental Sustainability & Health Institute, Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Brijesh K Tiwari
- Department of Food Chemistry and Technology, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Gaurav Rajauria
- Circular Bioeconomy Research Group, Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre, Munster Technology, Tralee, Ireland; School of Microbiology, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; SUSFERM Centre for Sustainable Fermentation and Bioprocessing Systems for Food and the Bioeconomy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Avesani CM, Cardozo LFMF, Yee-Moon Wang A, Shiels PG, Lambert K, Lindholm B, Stenvinkel P, Mafra D. Planetary Health, Nutrition, and Chronic Kidney Disease: Connecting the Dots for a Sustainable Future. J Ren Nutr 2023; 33:S40-S48. [PMID: 36182058 DOI: 10.1053/j.jrn.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing consumption of ultra-processed food (UPF) and the global chain of food production have a negative impact on human health and planetary health. These foods have been replacing the consumption of nonprocessed healthy foods. This shift has not only worsened human health by increasing the risk of the development of noncommunicable diseases, but also resulted in environmental perturbations. This review aims to bring awareness of the problems caused by the industrialized food production chain, addressing the negative effects it has on the environment and human health, with special reference to chronic kidney disease (CKD). We discuss possible solutions focusing on the benefits of adopting plant-based diets with low UPF content to promote a sustainable and healthy food production and diet for patients with CKD. For a sustainable future we need to "connect the dots" of planetary health, food production, and nutrition in the context of CKD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Maria Avesani
- Division of Renal Medicine and Baxter Novum, Department of Clinical Science, Technology and Intervention, Karolinska Instituted, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Ludmila F M F Cardozo
- Graduate Program in Cardiovascular Sciences, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Angela Yee-Moon Wang
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Paul G Shiels
- Wolfson Wohl Translational Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Kelly Lambert
- Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Medicine, Indigenous and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bengt Lindholm
- Division of Renal Medicine and Baxter Novum, Department of Clinical Science, Technology and Intervention, Karolinska Instituted, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Stenvinkel
- Division of Renal Medicine and Baxter Novum, Department of Clinical Science, Technology and Intervention, Karolinska Instituted, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Denise Mafra
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences - Physiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Leydon CL, Leonard UM, McCarthy SN, Harrington JM. Aligning Environmental Sustainability, Health Outcomes, and Affordability in Diet Quality: A Systematic Review. Adv Nutr 2023; 14:1270-1296. [PMID: 37532100 PMCID: PMC10721486 DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Improving diet quality while simultaneously maintaining planetary health is of critical interest globally. Despite the shared motivation, advancement remains slow, and the research community continues to operate in silos, focusing on certain pairings (diet-climate), or with a discipline-specific lens of a sustainable diet, rather than examining their totality. This review aimed to summarize the literature on adherence to a priori defined dietary patterns in consideration of diet quality, metabolic risk factors for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), environmental impacts, and affordability. A methodology using PRISMA guidelines was followed, and searches were performed in 7 databases as of October 2022. The Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) quality assessment tool for observational cohort studies were employed for quality appraisal. The evidence was narratively synthesized according to the characteristics of the diet quality metrics. The review includes 24 studies published between 2017-2023. Thirteen distinct diet quality scores were identified, with those measuring adherence to national dietary guidelines the most reported. Thirteen distinct environmental impact indicators were identified, with greenhouse gas emissions (n=23) reported most. All studies reported on body mass index, and 7 studies assessed the cost of adherence. Our results are consistent with previous findings that healthier diets can reduce environmental impacts; however, incongruities between population and planetary health can occur. Hence, the "sustainability" of dietary patterns is dependent on the choice of indicators selected. Further, healthy, lower impact diets can increase financial cost, but may also provide a protective role against the risk of obesity. Given the Global Syndemic, strategies to reduce obesity prevalence should emphasize the win-win opportunities for population and planetary health through dietary change. Research should identify diets that address multiple environmental concerns to curtail burdens potentially transferring, and harmonize this with sociocultural and equity dimensions. This review was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42021238055.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa L Leydon
- Centre for Health and Diet Research, School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Agrifood Business and Spatial Analysis, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Ursula M Leonard
- Cork Centre for Vitamin D and Nutrition Research, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Sinéad N McCarthy
- Department of Agrifood Business and Spatial Analysis, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Janas M Harrington
- Centre for Health and Diet Research, School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Wang X, Dou Z, Feng S, Zhang Y, Ma L, Zou C, Bai Z, Lakshmanan P, Shi X, Liu D, Zhang W, Deng Y, Zhang W, Chen X, Zhang F, Chen X. Global food nutrients analysis reveals alarming gaps and daunting challenges. NATURE FOOD 2023; 4:1007-1017. [PMID: 37828076 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-023-00851-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Eliminating both overt and hidden hunger is at the core of the global food and nutrition security agenda. Yet, the collective state of nutrition security at the population level is not known. Here we quantify food-based availability of 11 essential nutrients for 156 countries using a food production-consumption-nutrition model, followed by assessment of the nutrient availability status as a ratio of recommended intake. For the baseline year 2017, global per capita availability was adequate for calorie and protein but in severe deficit for vitamin A and calcium (intake ratios, <0.60, where 1.0 is adequate) and moderate deficit for vitamin B12 (intake ratio, 0.76). At the country level, more than half of the 156 countries were in various degrees of deficit for all nine micronutrients. Disparities across regions or countries were enormous. We explore intervention strategies from an agriculture-food system perspective and discuss the daunting challenges of addressing nutrition security broadly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozhong Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, and Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Agriculture Green Development in Yangtze River Basin, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Southwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhengxia Dou
- Department of Clinical Studies - New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA, USA.
| | - Shi Feng
- College of Resources and Environment, and Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Agriculture Green Development in Yangtze River Basin, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- College of Resources and Environment, and Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Agriculture Green Development in Yangtze River Basin, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Ma
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Agriculture Green Development in Yangtze River Basin, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Water Resources, Hebei Key Laboratory of Soil Ecology, Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetic and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Chunqin Zou
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaohai Bai
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Water Resources, Hebei Key Laboratory of Soil Ecology, Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetic and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Prakash Lakshmanan
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Agriculture Green Development in Yangtze River Basin, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biotechnology and Genetic Improvement (Guangxi), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Genetic Improvement, Sugarcane Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, China
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Xiaojun Shi
- College of Resources and Environment, and Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Agriculture Green Development in Yangtze River Basin, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Southwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dunyi Liu
- College of Resources and Environment, and Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Agriculture Green Development in Yangtze River Basin, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Southwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- College of Resources and Environment, and Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Agriculture Green Development in Yangtze River Basin, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Southwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Deng
- College of Resources and Environment, and Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Agriculture Green Development in Yangtze River Basin, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Southwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wushuai Zhang
- College of Resources and Environment, and Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Agriculture Green Development in Yangtze River Basin, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuanjing Chen
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Agriculture Green Development in Yangtze River Basin, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Fusuo Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Agriculture Green Development in Yangtze River Basin, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
| | - Xinping Chen
- College of Resources and Environment, and Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Agriculture Green Development in Yangtze River Basin, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Southwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Xia Q, Liao M, Xie X, Guo B, Lu X, Qiu H. Agricultural carbon emissions in Zhejiang Province, China (2001-2020): changing trends, influencing factors, and has it achieved synergy with food security and economic development? ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1391. [PMID: 37903960 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11998-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Given the huge carbon footprint of agricultural activities, reduction in agricultural carbon emission (ACE) is important to achieve China's carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals, but it may affect agricultural food security and economic development. Therefore, it is important for scientific carbon reduction measures to understand the multi-year trends and the influencing factors of ACE, and clarify whether the process of ACE affects food security and economic development. This study analyzed the trends of total ACE and ACE caused by different agricultural carbon sources (ACS) from 2001 to 2020 in Zhejiang Province, then we revealed the main influencing factors of ACE based on the logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) model and dissected the relationship between ACE and food security and economic development. Results show that the total ACE fluctuated from 6.10 Mt in 2001 to 3.93 Mt in 2020, and the process included a decrease in 2001-2003 and 2005-2020 and an increase in 2003-2005. The decrease in ACE, from 2001 to 2014, was mainly due to the decline in rice acreage, which contributed 90.38%; from 2014 to 2020, it was by the reduction in the use of fertilizer, diesel, and pesticide, which contributed 83.9%. As drivers, agricultural economic development effect and total population size effect drove 4.25 and 1.54 Mt of ACE, respectively. As inhibitors, planting structure effect, technology development effect, and population structure effect inhibited 3.12, 2.11, and 2.74 Mt of ACE, respectively. With the reduction of ACE, the agricultural economy continued to grow, but the food security situation was pessimistic, indicating that ACE reduction has achieved synergy with economic development, but not with food security.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Xia
- College of Environment and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Min Liao
- College of Environment and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Xiaomei Xie
- College of Environment and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Environmental and Resources Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Bin Guo
- College of Environment and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xinyue Lu
- College of Environment and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Hao Qiu
- College of Environment and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Bai Z, Wu X, Lassaletta L, Haverkamp A, Li W, Yuan Z, Aguilera E, Uwizeye A, Sanz-Cobena A, Zhang N, Fan X, Zhu F, Dicke M, Wang X, Ma L. Investing in mini-livestock production for food security and carbon neutrality in China. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2304826120. [PMID: 37844251 PMCID: PMC10614834 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2304826120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Future food farming technology faces challenges that must integrate the core goal of keeping the global temperature increase within 1.5 °C without reducing food security and nutrition. Here, we show that boosting the production of insects and earthworms based on food waste and livestock manure to provide food and feed in China will greatly contribute to meeting the country's food security and carbon neutrality pledges. By substituting domestic products with mini-livestock (defined as earthworms and insects produced for food or feed) protein and utilizing the recovered land for bioenergy production plus carbon capture and storage, China's agricultural sector could become carbon-neutral and reduce feed protein imports to near zero. This structural change may lead to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2,350 Tg CO2eq per year globally when both domestic and imported products are substituted. Overall, the success of mini-livestock protein production in achieving carbon neutrality and food security for China and its major trading partners depends on how the substitution strategies will be implemented and how the recovered agricultural land will be managed, e.g., free use for afforestation and bioenergy or by restricting this land to food crop use. Using China as an example, this study also demonstrates the potential of mini-livestock for decreasing the environmental burden of food production in general.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohai Bai
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Water Resources, Hebei Key Laboratory of Soil Ecology, Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetic and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei050021, China
| | - Xiaofei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Water Resources, Hebei Key Laboratory of Soil Ecology, Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetic and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei050021, China
| | - Luis Lassaletta
- Research Centre for the Management of Agricultural and Environmental Risks, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronomica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid28040, Spain
| | - Alexander Haverkamp
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen6700 AA, The Netherlands
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Earth System Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Earth System Modeling, Institute for Global Change Studies, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
| | - Zengwei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing210023, China
| | - Eduardo Aguilera
- Research Centre for the Management of Agricultural and Environmental Risks, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronomica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid28040, Spain
- Alimentta, Think Tank para la Transición Alimentaria, Andalucía18320, Spain
| | - Aimable Uwizeye
- Animal Production and Health Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome00153, Italy
| | - Alberto Sanz-Cobena
- Research Centre for the Management of Agricultural and Environmental Risks, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronomica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid28040, Spain
| | - Nannan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Water Resources, Hebei Key Laboratory of Soil Ecology, Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetic and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei050021, China
| | - Xiangwen Fan
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Water Resources, Hebei Key Laboratory of Soil Ecology, Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetic and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei050021, China
| | - Feng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Water Resources, Hebei Key Laboratory of Soil Ecology, Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetic and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei050021, China
| | - Marcel Dicke
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen6700 AA, The Netherlands
| | - Xuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Water Resources, Hebei Key Laboratory of Soil Ecology, Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetic and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei050021, China
| | - Lin Ma
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Water Resources, Hebei Key Laboratory of Soil Ecology, Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetic and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei050021, China
| |
Collapse
|