Researchers at a university led a global study that finds healthy diets can both cost less and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than many current diets. The work appears in the journal Nature Food and addresses policy debates about cutting food system emissions without increasing food insecurity.
The team identified locally available food items that could meet basic nutritional needs using the Healthy Diet Basket targets used by UN agencies and national governments. For each food item they compiled three kinds of data: availability and price in each country, the share of the country’s food supply it represented, and the global average greenhouse gas emissions linked to that product. For each country the authors modeled five diets and compared their costs and emissions.
The study shows that choosing less expensive options within food groups tends to lower a diet’s climate footprint. There are tradeoffs for animal-source foods and starchy staples, so selections vary by country. The authors say the results can help consumers, companies and governments find more sustainable and affordable diets.
Difficult words
- researcher — person who studies subjects and gathers dataResearchers
- emission — gas released into the air from activitiesemissions
- availability — how easy something is to obtain locally
- model — to make a simplified version for studymodeled
- tradeoff — situation with both benefits and disadvantagestradeoffs
- sustainable — able to continue without damaging environment
- starchy staple — main food high in starch like potatoesstarchy staples
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you choose less expensive foods if they also reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Why or why not?
- The article mentions tradeoffs for animal-source foods and starchy staples. What tradeoffs exist in your country or family?
- How could governments or companies help people find more sustainable and affordable diets where you live?
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