Role of Food in Climate Change: Healthy diets for a healthier planet

Abstract

“Climate change has happened because of human behaviour, therefore it’s only natural it should be us, human beings, to address this issue. It may not be too late if we take decisive actions today.”     -Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General, United Nations

   Climate change refers to the changes in weather patterns and temperature over a period of time. These shifts can be natural, due to changes in the sun's activity or large volcanic eruptions. The main greenhouse gases responsible for causing climate change are carbon dioxide and methane. Humans are to blame for global warming, according to climate scientists who have demonstrated that nearly all global heating in the past 200 years can be attributed to human activities. The process of growing, processing, transporting, distributing, preparing, consuming, and sometimes disposing of food generates greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change by trapping heat from the sun. Approximately one-third of all human-induced greenhouse gas emissions can be attributed to food production. Among food types, animal-based products, particularly red meat, dairy, and farmed shrimp, are known for their high greenhouse gas emissions. Exploring alternative proteins, like plant-based meat and dairy substitutes, insect-based proteins, and cell-based or cultivated meat, shows great promise and is experiencing growing demand, financial investment, and technological innovation. To reduce emissions from animal agriculture, improving feeds and feeding techniques can help decrease methane production during cattle's digestion and minimize gases released from decomposing manure.

Key Words- Climate Change, Food Production Techniques, Green House Gases, Food and Nutrition Security