Environmental Science › Ecology

Agriculture Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Works Count: 45964

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Description

This cluster of papers explores the intersection of sustainable diets, environmental impact, and global food systems. It delves into the effects of food choices on climate change, livestock production, and health, emphasizing the potential of plant-based diets to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and reduce environmental footprint. The research also addresses the challenges and opportunities in transitioning towards more sustainable dietary patterns within the context of a rapidly changing global food system.

Keywords

Sustainable Diets; Environmental Impact; Food Systems; Climate Change; Livestock Production; Health Effects; Plant-Based Diets; Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Dietary Choices; Global Food System

Tackling climate change through livestock : a global assessment of emissions and mitigation opportunities

2013-01-01

P. Gerber , H. Steinfeld , B. Henderson +5 more

As renewed international efforts are needed to curb greenhouse gas emissions, the livestock sector can contribute its part. An important emitter of greenhouse gas, it also has the potential to … As renewed international efforts are needed to curb greenhouse gas emissions, the livestock sector can contribute its part. An important emitter of greenhouse gas, it also has the potential to significantly reduce its emissions. This report provides a unique global assessment of the magnitude, the sources and pathways of emissions from different livestock production systems and supply chains. Relying on life cycle assessment, statistical analysis and scenario building, it also provides estimates of the sector’s mitigation potential and identifies concrete options to reduce emissions. The report is a useful resource for stakeholders from livestock producers to policy-makers, researchers and civil society representatives, which also intends to inform the public debate on the role of livestock supply chains in climate change and possible solution.

Evolutionary Genetics and Environmental Stress

1990-12-13

Ary A. Hoffmann , Peter A. Parsons

Abstract This book concentrates on evolutionary change under environmental stress at levels ranging from the molecular to the biogeographic, with an emphasis on genetic aspects. This approach contrasts with much … Abstract This book concentrates on evolutionary change under environmental stress at levels ranging from the molecular to the biogeographic, with an emphasis on genetic aspects. This approach contrasts with much of the literature of evolutionary biology, as the emphasis here is upon the extreme end of the stress gradient in terms of resistance. Major topics in this interdisciplinary book include the concept of stress and its evolutionary and ecological importance; genetic variation in stress response and the effects of stress on genetic variation; and costs and trade-offs involving stress responses. An approach to stress resistance in terms of energetics permits the development of links between genetics, ecology, physiology, and behaviour. The book concludes with applications concerning range expansions of species, conservation strategies, and pollution effects.

Conservation Biology. An Evolutionary-Ecological Perspective.

1981-12-01

J. L. Cloudsley‐Thompson , Michael E. Soulé , Bruce A. Wilcox

Food, livestock production, energy, climate change, and health

2007-09-17

Anthony J. McMichael , John Powles , Colin D. Butler +1 more

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Comparing environmental impacts for livestock products: A review of life cycle assessments

2009-12-17

M. de Vries , I.J.M. de Boer

A review of life cycle assessment (LCA) on some food products

2008-06-23

Poritosh Roy , Daisuke Nei , Takahiro Orikasa +4 more

Livestock production: recent trends, future prospects

2010-08-16

Philip K. Thornton

The livestock sector globally is highly dynamic. In developing countries, it is evolving in response to rapidly increasing demand for livestock products. In developed countries, demand for livestock products is … The livestock sector globally is highly dynamic. In developing countries, it is evolving in response to rapidly increasing demand for livestock products. In developed countries, demand for livestock products is stagnating, while many production systems are increasing their efficiency and environmental sustainability. Historical changes in the demand for livestock products have been largely driven by human population growth, income growth and urbanization and the production response in different livestock systems has been associated with science and technology as well as increases in animal numbers. In the future, production will increasingly be affected by competition for natural resources, particularly land and water, competition between food and feed and by the need to operate in a carbon-constrained economy. Developments in breeding, nutrition and animal health will continue to contribute to increasing potential production and further efficiency and genetic gains. Livestock production is likely to be increasingly affected by carbon constraints and environmental and animal welfare legislation. Demand for livestock products in the future could be heavily moderated by socio-economic factors such as human health concerns and changing socio-cultural values. There is considerable uncertainty as to how these factors will play out in different regions of the world in the coming decades.

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Global food demand and the sustainable intensification of agriculture

2011-11-21

David Tilman , Christian Balzer , Jason Hill +1 more

Global food demand is increasing rapidly, as are the environmental impacts of agricultural expansion. Here, we project global demand for crop production in 2050 and evaluate the environmental impacts of … Global food demand is increasing rapidly, as are the environmental impacts of agricultural expansion. Here, we project global demand for crop production in 2050 and evaluate the environmental impacts of alternative ways that this demand might be met. We find that per capita demand for crops, when measured as caloric or protein content of all crops combined, has been a similarly increasing function of per capita real income since 1960. This relationship forecasts a 100–110% increase in global crop demand from 2005 to 2050. Quantitative assessments show that the environmental impacts of meeting this demand depend on how global agriculture expands. If current trends of greater agricultural intensification in richer nations and greater land clearing (extensification) in poorer nations were to continue, ∼1 billion ha of land would be cleared globally by 2050, with CO 2 -C equivalent greenhouse gas emissions reaching ∼3 Gt y −1 and N use ∼250 Mt y −1 by then. In contrast, if 2050 crop demand was met by moderate intensification focused on existing croplands of underyielding nations, adaptation and transfer of high-yielding technologies to these croplands, and global technological improvements, our analyses forecast land clearing of only ∼0.2 billion ha, greenhouse gas emissions of ∼1 Gt y −1 , and global N use of ∼225 Mt y −1 . Efficient management practices could substantially lower nitrogen use. Attainment of high yields on existing croplands of underyielding nations is of great importance if global crop demand is to be met with minimal environmental impacts.

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Global diets link environmental sustainability and human health

2014-11-01

David Tilman , Michael Clark

Producing more grain with lower environmental costs

2014-09-02

Xinping Chen , Zhenling Cui , Mingsheng Fan +7 more

Conceptualizing food systems for global environmental change research

2007-11-27

Polly Ericksen

Biomass use, production, feed efficiencies, and greenhouse gas emissions from global livestock systems

2013-12-16

Mario Herrero , Peter Havlík , Hugo Valin +7 more

Significance This report is unique in presenting a high-resolution dataset of biomass use, production, feed efficiencies, and greenhouse gas emissions by global livestock. This information will allow the global-change research … Significance This report is unique in presenting a high-resolution dataset of biomass use, production, feed efficiencies, and greenhouse gas emissions by global livestock. This information will allow the global-change research community in enhancing our understanding of the sustainability of livestock systems and their role in food security, livelihoods and environmental sustainability.

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Climate Change and Food Systems

2012-08-02

Sonja Vermeulen , Bruce M. Campbell , John Ingram

Food systems contribute 19%–29% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, releasing 9,800–16,900 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO 2 e) in 2008. Agricultural production, including indirect emissions associated with … Food systems contribute 19%–29% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, releasing 9,800–16,900 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO 2 e) in 2008. Agricultural production, including indirect emissions associated with land-cover change, contributes 80%–86% of total food system emissions, with significant regional variation. The impacts of global climate change on food systems are expected to be widespread, complex, geographically and temporally variable, and profoundly influenced by socioeconomic conditions. Historical statistical studies and integrated assessment models provide evidence that climate change will affect agricultural yields and earnings, food prices, reliability of delivery, food quality, and, notably, food safety. Low-income producers and consumers of food will be more vulnerable to climate change owing to their comparatively limited ability to invest in adaptive institutions and technologies under increasing climatic risks. Some synergies among food security, adaptation, and mitigation are feasible. But promising interventions, such as agricultural intensification or reductions in waste, will require careful management to distribute costs and benefits effectively.

Where are the best opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the food system (including the food chain)?

2011-01-01

Tara Garnett

Yield Trends Are Insufficient to Double Global Crop Production by 2050

2013-06-19

D. K. Ray , Nathaniel D. Mueller , Paul West +1 more

Several studies have shown that global crop production needs to double by 2050 to meet the projected demands from rising population, diet shifts, and increasing biofuels consumption. Boosting crop yields … Several studies have shown that global crop production needs to double by 2050 to meet the projected demands from rising population, diet shifts, and increasing biofuels consumption. Boosting crop yields to meet these rising demands, rather than clearing more land for agriculture has been highlighted as a preferred solution to meet this goal. However, we first need to understand how crop yields are changing globally, and whether we are on track to double production by 2050. Using ∼2.5 million agricultural statistics, collected for ∼13,500 political units across the world, we track four key global crops—maize, rice, wheat, and soybean—that currently produce nearly two-thirds of global agricultural calories. We find that yields in these top four crops are increasing at 1.6%, 1.0%, 0.9%, and 1.3% per year, non-compounding rates, respectively, which is less than the 2.4% per year rate required to double global production by 2050. At these rates global production in these crops would increase by ∼67%, ∼42%, ∼38%, and ∼55%, respectively, which is far below what is needed to meet projected demands in 2050. We present detailed maps to identify where rates must be increased to boost crop production and meet rising demands.

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Preliminary incidence and trends of infection with pathogens transmitted commonly through food - Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, 10 U.S. sites, 2006-2014.

2015-05-15

Stacy M. Crim , Patricia M. Griffin , Robert V. Tauxe +7 more

Foodborne illnesses represent a substantial, yet largely preventable, health burden in the United States. In 10 U.S. geographic areas, the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) monitors the incidence of … Foodborne illnesses represent a substantial, yet largely preventable, health burden in the United States. In 10 U.S. geographic areas, the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) monitors the incidence of laboratory-confirmed infections caused by nine pathogens transmitted commonly through food. This report summarizes preliminary 2014 data and describes changes in incidence compared with 2006-2008 and 2011-2013. In 2014, FoodNet reported 19,542 infections, 4,445 hospitalizations, and 71 deaths. The incidence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157 and Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium infections declined in 2014 compared with 2006-2008, and the incidence of infection with Campylobacter, Vibrio, and Salmonella serotypes Infantis and Javiana was higher. Compared with 2011-2013, the incidence of STEC O157 and Salmonella Typhimurium infections was lower, and the incidence of STEC non-O157 and Salmonella serotype Infantis infections was higher in 2014. Despite ongoing food safety efforts, the incidence of many infections remains high, indicating that further prevention measures are needed to make food safer and achieve national health objectives.

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Agricultural sustainability and intensive production practices

2002-08-01

David Tilman , Kenneth G. Cassman , Pamela A. Matson +2 more

Organic agriculture and the global food supply

2007-06-01

Catherine Badgley , Jeremy Moghtader , Eileen Quintero +5 more

Abstract The principal objections to the proposition that organic agriculture can contribute significantly to the global food supply are low yields and insufficient quantities of organically acceptable fertilizers. We evaluated … Abstract The principal objections to the proposition that organic agriculture can contribute significantly to the global food supply are low yields and insufficient quantities of organically acceptable fertilizers. We evaluated the universality of both claims. For the first claim, we compared yields of organic versus conventional or low-intensive food production for a global dataset of 293 examples and estimated the average yield ratio (organic:non-organic) of different food categories for the developed and the developing world. For most food categories, the average yield ratio was slightly <1.0 for studies in the developed world and >1.0 for studies in the developing world. With the average yield ratios, we modeled the global food supply that could be grown organically on the current agricultural land base. Model estimates indicate that organic methods could produce enough food on a global per capita basis to sustain the current human population, and potentially an even larger population, without increasing the agricultural land base. We also evaluated the amount of nitrogen potentially available from fixation by leguminous cover crops used as fertilizer. Data from temperate and tropical agroecosystems suggest that leguminous cover crops could fix enough nitrogen to replace the amount of synthetic fertilizer currently in use. These results indicate that organic agriculture has the potential to contribute quite substantially to the global food supply, while reducing the detrimental environmental impacts of conventional agriculture. Evaluation and review of this paper have raised important issues about crop rotations under organic versus conventional agriculture and the reliability of grey-literature sources. An ongoing dialogue on these subjects can be found in the Forum editorial of this issue.

Carbon emission from farm operations

2004-06-17

Rattan Lal

Food consumption trends and drivers

2010-08-16

John Kearney

A picture of food consumption (availability) trends and projections to 2050, both globally and for different regions of the world, along with the drivers largely responsible for these observed consumption … A picture of food consumption (availability) trends and projections to 2050, both globally and for different regions of the world, along with the drivers largely responsible for these observed consumption trends are the subject of this review. Throughout the world, major shifts in dietary patterns are occurring, even in the consumption of basic staples towards more diversified diets. Accompanying these changes in food consumption at a global and regional level have been considerable health consequences. Populations in those countries undergoing rapid transition are experiencing nutritional transition. The diverse nature of this transition may be the result of differences in socio-demographic factors and other consumer characteristics. Among other factors including urbanization and food industry marketing, the policies of trade liberalization over the past two decades have implications for health by virtue of being a factor in facilitating the ‘nutrition transition’ that is associated with rising rates of obesity and chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Future food policies must consider both agricultural and health sectors, thereby enabling the development of coherent and sustainable policies that will ultimately benefit agriculture, human health and the environment.

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N&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O release from agro-biofuel production negates global warming reduction by replacing fossil fuels

2008-01-29

Paul J. Crutzen , A. R. Mosier , Keith A. Smith +1 more

Abstract. The relationship, on a global basis, between the amount of N fixed by chemical, biological or atmospheric processes entering the terrestrial biosphere, and the total emission of nitrous oxide … Abstract. The relationship, on a global basis, between the amount of N fixed by chemical, biological or atmospheric processes entering the terrestrial biosphere, and the total emission of nitrous oxide (N2O), has been re-examined, using known global atmospheric removal rates and concentration growth of N2O as a proxy for overall emissions. For both the pre-industrial period and in recent times, after taking into account the large-scale changes in synthetic N fertiliser production, we find an overall conversion factor of 3–5% from newly fixed N to N2O-N. We assume the same factor to be valid for biofuel production systems. It is covered only in part by the default conversion factor for "direct" emissions from agricultural crop lands (1%) estimated by IPCC (2006), and the default factors for the "indirect" emissions (following volatilization/deposition and leaching/runoff of N: 0.35–0.45%) cited therein. However, as we show in the paper, when additional emissions included in the IPCC methodology, e.g. those from livestock production, are included, the total may not be inconsistent with that given by our "top-down" method. When the extra N2O emission from biofuel production is calculated in "CO2-equivalent" global warming terms, and compared with the quasi-cooling effect of "saving" emissions of fossil fuel derived CO2, the outcome is that the production of commonly used biofuels, such as biodiesel from rapeseed and bioethanol from corn (maize), depending on N fertilizer uptake efficiency by the plants, can contribute as much or more to global warming by N2O emissions than cooling by fossil fuel savings. Crops with less N demand, such as grasses and woody coppice species, have more favourable climate impacts. This analysis only considers the conversion of biomass to biofuel. It does not take into account the use of fossil fuel on the farms and for fertilizer and pesticide production, but it also neglects the production of useful co-products. Both factors partially compensate each other. This needs to be analyzed in a full life cycle assessment.

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Solutions for a cultivated planet

2011-10-01

Jonathan A. Foley , Navin Ramankutty , Kate A. Brauman +7 more

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Sustainability of meat-based and plant-based diets and the environment

2003-09-01

David Pimentel , Marcia Pimentel

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Increasing homogeneity in global food supplies and the implications for food security

2014-03-03

Colin K. Khoury , Anne D. Bjorkman , Hannes Dempewolf +5 more

The narrowing of diversity in crop species contributing to the world's food supplies has been considered a potential threat to food security. However, changes in this diversity have not been … The narrowing of diversity in crop species contributing to the world's food supplies has been considered a potential threat to food security. However, changes in this diversity have not been quantified globally. We assess trends over the past 50 y in the richness, abundance, and composition of crop species in national food supplies worldwide. Over this period, national per capita food supplies expanded in total quantities of food calories, protein, fat, and weight, with increased proportions of those quantities sourcing from energy-dense foods. At the same time the number of measured crop commodities contributing to national food supplies increased, the relative contribution of these commodities within these supplies became more even, and the dominance of the most significant commodities decreased. As a consequence, national food supplies worldwide became more similar in composition, correlated particularly with an increased supply of a number of globally important cereal and oil crops, and a decline of other cereal, oil, and starchy root species. The increase in homogeneity worldwide portends the establishment of a global standard food supply, which is relatively species-rich in regard to measured crops at the national level, but species-poor globally. These changes in food supplies heighten interdependence among countries in regard to availability and access to these food sources and the genetic resources supporting their production, and give further urgency to nutrition development priorities aimed at bolstering food security.

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Food Security: The Challenge of Feeding 9 Billion People

2010-01-29

Hubert Charles , J. R. Beddington , I. R. Crute +7 more

Continuing population and consumption growth will mean that the global demand for food will increase for at least another 40 years. Growing competition for land, water, and energy, in addition … Continuing population and consumption growth will mean that the global demand for food will increase for at least another 40 years. Growing competition for land, water, and energy, in addition to the overexploitation of fisheries, will affect our ability to produce food, as will the urgent requirement to reduce the impact of the food system on the environment. The effects of climate change are a further threat. But the world can produce more food and can ensure that it is used more efficiently and equitably. A multifaceted and linked global strategy is needed to ensure sustainable and equitable food security, different components of which are explored here.

How sustainable agriculture can address the environmental and human health harms of industrial agriculture.

2002-05-01

Leo Horrigan , Robert S. Lawrence , Polly Walker

The industrial agriculture system consumes fossil fuel, water, and topsoil at unsustainable rates. It contributes to numerous forms of environmental degradation, including air and water pollution, soil depletion, diminishing biodiversity, … The industrial agriculture system consumes fossil fuel, water, and topsoil at unsustainable rates. It contributes to numerous forms of environmental degradation, including air and water pollution, soil depletion, diminishing biodiversity, and fish die-offs. Meat production contributes disproportionately to these problems, in part because feeding grain to livestock to produce meat--instead of feeding it directly to humans--involves a large energy loss, making animal agriculture more resource intensive than other forms of food production. The proliferation of factory-style animal agriculture creates environmental and public health concerns, including pollution from the high concentration of animal wastes and the extensive use of antibiotics, which may compromise their effectiveness in medical use. At the consumption end, animal fat is implicated in many of the chronic degenerative diseases that afflict industrial and newly industrializing societies, particularly cardiovascular disease and some cancers. In terms of human health, both affluent and poor countries could benefit from policies that more equitably distribute high-protein foods. The pesticides used heavily in industrial agriculture are associated with elevated cancer risks for workers and consumers and are coming under greater scrutiny for their links to endocrine disruption and reproductive dysfunction. In this article we outline the environmental and human health problems associated with current food production practices and discuss how these systems could be made more sustainable.

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Agroecology: The Ecology of Sustainable Food Systems

2007-01-01

Stephen R. Gliessman

INTRODUCTION TO AGROECOLOGY The Need for Sustainable Food Production Systems The Agroecosystem Concept PLANTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS The Plant Light Temperature Humidity and Rainfall Wind Soil Water in the Soil … INTRODUCTION TO AGROECOLOGY The Need for Sustainable Food Production Systems The Agroecosystem Concept PLANTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS The Plant Light Temperature Humidity and Rainfall Wind Soil Water in the Soil Fire Biotic Factors The Environmental Complex SYSTEM-LEVEL INTERACTIONS The Population Ecology of Agroecosystems Genetic Resources in Agroecosystems Species Interactions in Crop Communities Agroecosystem Diversity and Stability Disturbance, Succession, and Agroecosystem Management The Energetics of Agroecosystems Animals in Agroecosystems THE TRANSITION TO SUSTAINABILITY Converting to Ecologically Based Management Indicators of Sustainability Landscape Diversity and Agroecosystem Management Community, Culture, and Sustainability From Sustainable Agroecosystems to Sustainable Food Systems Glossary Index

Analysis and valuation of the health and climate change cobenefits of dietary change

2016-03-21

Marco Springmann , Hubert Charles , Mike Rayner +1 more

Significance The food system is responsible for more than a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions while unhealthy diets and high body weight are among the greatest contributors to premature … Significance The food system is responsible for more than a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions while unhealthy diets and high body weight are among the greatest contributors to premature mortality. Our study provides a comparative analysis of the health and climate change benefits of global dietary changes for all major world regions. We project that health and climate change benefits will both be greater the lower the fraction of animal-sourced foods in our diets. Three quarters of all benefits occur in developing countries although the per capita impacts of dietary change would be greatest in developed countries. The monetized value of health improvements could be comparable with, and possibly larger than, the environmental benefits of the avoided damages from climate change.

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Greenhouse gas mitigation potentials in the livestock sector

2016-03-18

Mario Herrero , B. Henderson , Peter Havlík +7 more

Principles of Animal Ecology

1950-01-01

Poul Bondesen , W. C. Allee , Alfred E. Emerson +3 more

Systematic review of greenhouse gas emissions for different fresh food categories

2016-05-05

Stephen Clune , Enda Crossin , Karli Verghese

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Sustainable intensification of agriculture for human prosperity and global sustainability

2016-07-12

Johan Rockström , John Williams , Gretchen C. Daily +7 more

There is an ongoing debate on what constitutes sustainable intensification of agriculture (SIA). In this paper, we propose that a paradigm for sustainable intensification can be defined and translated into … There is an ongoing debate on what constitutes sustainable intensification of agriculture (SIA). In this paper, we propose that a paradigm for sustainable intensification can be defined and translated into an operational framework for agricultural development. We argue that this paradigm must now be defined—at all scales—in the context of rapidly rising global environmental changes in the Anthropocene, while focusing on eradicating poverty and hunger and contributing to human wellbeing. The criteria and approach we propose, for a paradigm shift towards sustainable intensification of agriculture, integrates the dual and interdependent goals of using sustainable practices to meet rising human needs while contributing to resilience and sustainability of landscapes, the biosphere, and the Earth system. Both of these, in turn, are required to sustain the future viability of agriculture. This paradigm shift aims at repositioning world agriculture from its current role as the world’s single largest driver of global environmental change, to becoming a key contributor of a global transition to a sustainable world within a safe operating space on Earth.

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Land-use futures in the shared socio-economic pathways

2016-10-27

Alexander Popp , Katherine Calvin , Shinichiro Fujimori +7 more

• Narratives for the Shared Socio-Economic Pathways (SSPs) focusing on the land sector are presented. • Integrated Assessment Models have been applied for the SSPs to assess potential future developments … • Narratives for the Shared Socio-Economic Pathways (SSPs) focusing on the land sector are presented. • Integrated Assessment Models have been applied for the SSPs to assess potential future developments for land use, greenhouse gas emissions, food provision and prices. • Model results reflect the general storylines of the SSPs and indicate a broad range of potential land-use futures. • SSP-based land use pathways aim at supporting future climate research, climate impact analysis, biodiversity research and sustainability science. In the future, the land system will be facing new intersecting challenges. While food demand, especially for resource-intensive livestock based commodities, is expected to increase, the terrestrial system has large potentials for climate change mitigation through improved agricultural management, providing biomass for bioenergy, and conserving or even enhancing carbon stocks of ecosystems. However, uncertainties in future socio-economic land use drivers may result in very different land-use dynamics and consequences for land-based ecosystem services. This is the first study with a systematic interpretation of the Shared Socio-Economic Pathways (SSPs) in terms of possible land-use changes and their consequences for the agricultural system, food provision and prices as well as greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, five alternative Integrated Assessment Models with distinctive land-use modules have been used for the translation of the SSP narratives into quantitative projections. The model results reflect the general storylines of the SSPs and indicate a broad range of potential land-use futures with global agricultural land of 4900 mio ha in 2005 decreasing by 743 mio ha until 2100 at the lower (SSP1) and increasing by 1080 mio ha (SSP3) at the upper end. Greenhouse gas emissions from land use and land use change, as a direct outcome of these diverse land-use dynamics, and agricultural production systems differ strongly across SSPs (e.g. cumulative land use change emissions between 2005 and 2100 range from −54 to 402 Gt CO 2 ). The inclusion of land-based mitigation efforts, particularly those in the most ambitious mitigation scenarios, further broadens the range of potential land futures and can strongly affect greenhouse gas dynamics and food prices. In general, it can be concluded that low demand for agricultural commodities, rapid growth in agricultural productivity and globalized trade, all most pronounced in a SSP1 world, have the potential to enhance the extent of natural ecosystems, lead to lowest greenhouse gas emissions from the land system and decrease food prices over time. The SSP-based land use pathways presented in this paper aim at supporting future climate research and provide the basis for further regional integrated assessments, biodiversity research and climate impact analysis.

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The Impacts of Dietary Change on Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Land Use, Water Use, and Health: A Systematic Review

2016-11-03

Lukasz Aleksandrowicz , Rosemary Green , Edward J. M. Joy +2 more

Food production is a major driver of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, water and land use, and dietary risk factors are contributors to non-communicable diseases. Shifts in dietary patterns can therefore … Food production is a major driver of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, water and land use, and dietary risk factors are contributors to non-communicable diseases. Shifts in dietary patterns can therefore potentially provide benefits for both the environment and health. However, there is uncertainty about the magnitude of these impacts, and the dietary changes necessary to achieve them. We systematically review the evidence on changes in GHG emissions, land use, and water use, from shifting current dietary intakes to environmentally sustainable dietary patterns. We find 14 common sustainable dietary patterns across reviewed studies, with reductions as high as 70–80% of GHG emissions and land use, and 50% of water use (with medians of about 20–30% for these indicators across all studies) possible by adopting sustainable dietary patterns. Reductions in environmental footprints were generally proportional to the magnitude of animal-based food restriction. Dietary shifts also yielded modest benefits in all-cause mortality risk. Our review reveals that environmental and health benefits are possible by shifting current Western diets to a variety of more sustainable dietary patterns.

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Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Vegetarian Diets

2016-11-22

Vesanto Melina , Winston J. Craig , Susan Levin

Climate Change and Global Food Systems: Potential Impacts on Food Security and Undernutrition

2017-01-16

Samuel S. Myers , Matthew R. Smith , Sarah Guth +5 more

Great progress has been made in addressing global undernutrition over the past several decades, in part because of large increases in food production from agricultural expansion and intensification. Food systems, … Great progress has been made in addressing global undernutrition over the past several decades, in part because of large increases in food production from agricultural expansion and intensification. Food systems, however, face continued increases in demand and growing environmental pressures. Most prominently, human-caused climate change will influence the quality and quantity of food we produce and our ability to distribute it equitably. Our capacity to ensure food security and nutritional adequacy in the face of rapidly changing biophysical conditions will be a major determinant of the next century's global burden of disease. In this article, we review the main pathways by which climate change may affect our food production systems-agriculture, fisheries, and livestock-as well as the socioeconomic forces that may influence equitable distribution.

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Climate change and livestock: Impacts, adaptation, and mitigation

2017-01-01

M. Melissa Rojas-Downing , A. Pouyan Nejadhashemi , Timothy M. Harrigan +1 more

Global demand for livestock products is expected to double by 2050, mainly due to improvement in the worldwide standard of living. Meanwhile, climate change is a threat to livestock production … Global demand for livestock products is expected to double by 2050, mainly due to improvement in the worldwide standard of living. Meanwhile, climate change is a threat to livestock production because of the impact on quality of feed crop and forage, water availability, animal and milk production, livestock diseases, animal reproduction, and biodiversity. This study reviews the global impacts of climate change on livestock production, the contribution of livestock production to climate change, and specific climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies in the livestock sector. Livestock production will be limited by climate variability as animal water consumption is expected to increase by a factor of three, demand for agricultural lands increase due to need for 70% growth in production, and food security concern since about one-third of the global cereal harvest is used for livestock feed. Meanwhile, the livestock sector contributes 14.5% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, driving further climate change. Consequently, the livestock sector will be a key player in the mitigation of GHG emissions and improving global food security. Therefore, in the transition to sustainable livestock production, there is a need for: a) assessments related to the use of adaptation and mitigation measures tailored to the location and livestock production system in use, and b) policies that support and facilitate the implementation of climate change adaptation and mitigation measures.

Agriculture in 2050: Recalibrating Targets for Sustainable Intensification

2017-01-30

Mitchell C. Hunter , Richard G. Smith , Meagan E. Schipanski +2 more

The prevailing discourse on the future of agriculture is dominated by an imbalanced narrative that calls for food production to increase dramatically—potentially doubling by 2050—without specifying commensurate environmental goals. We … The prevailing discourse on the future of agriculture is dominated by an imbalanced narrative that calls for food production to increase dramatically—potentially doubling by 2050—without specifying commensurate environmental goals. We aim to rebalance this narrative by laying out quantitative and compelling midcentury targets for both production and the environment. Our analysis shows that an increase of approximately 25%–70% above current production levels may be sufficient to meet 2050 crop demand. At the same time, nutrient losses and greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture must drop dramatically to restore and maintain ecosystem functioning. Specifying quantitative targets will clarify the scope of the challenges that agriculture must face in the coming decades, focus research and policy on achieving specific outcomes, and ensure that sustainable intensification efforts lead to measurable environmental improvements. We propose new directions for research and policy to help meet both sustainability and production goals.

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Comparative analysis of environmental impacts of agricultural production systems, agricultural input efficiency, and food choice

2017-06-01

Michael Clark , David Tilman

Global agricultural feeds over 7 billion people, but is also a leading cause of environmental degradation. Understanding how alternative agricultural production systems, agricultural input efficiency, and food choice drive environmental … Global agricultural feeds over 7 billion people, but is also a leading cause of environmental degradation. Understanding how alternative agricultural production systems, agricultural input efficiency, and food choice drive environmental degradation is necessary for reducing agriculture's environmental impacts. A meta-analysis of life cycle assessments that includes 742 agricultural systems and over 90 unique foods produced primarily in high-input systems shows that, per unit of food, organic systems require more land, cause more eutrophication, use less energy, but emit similar greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) as conventional systems; that grass-fed beef requires more land and emits similar GHG emissions as grain-feed beef; and that low-input aquaculture and non-trawling fisheries have much lower GHG emissions than trawling fisheries. In addition, our analyses show that increasing agricultural input efficiency (the amount of food produced per input of fertilizer or feed) would have environmental benefits for both crop and livestock systems. Further, for all environmental indicators and nutritional units examined, plant-based foods have the lowest environmental impacts; eggs, dairy, pork, poultry, non-trawling fisheries, and non-recirculating aquaculture have intermediate impacts; and ruminant meat has impacts ∼100 times those of plant-based foods. Our analyses show that dietary shifts towards low-impact foods and increases in agricultural input use efficiency would offer larger environmental benefits than would switches from conventional agricultural systems to alternatives such as organic agriculture or grass-fed beef.

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Position of the American Dietetic Association: Vegetarian Diets

2009-06-25

Winston J. Craig , Ann Reed Mangels

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Future Protein Supply and Demand: Strategies and Factors Influencing a Sustainable Equilibrium

2017-07-20

Maeve Henchion , María Hayes , Anne Maria Mullen +2 more

A growing global population, combined with factors such as changing socio-demographics, will place increased pressure on the world’s resources to provide not only more but also different types of food. … A growing global population, combined with factors such as changing socio-demographics, will place increased pressure on the world’s resources to provide not only more but also different types of food. Increased demand for animal-based protein in particular is expected to have a negative environmental impact, generating greenhouse gas emissions, requiring more water and more land. Addressing this “perfect storm” will necessitate more sustainable production of existing sources of protein as well as alternative sources for direct human consumption. This paper outlines some potential demand scenarios and provides an overview of selected existing and novel protein sources in terms of their potential to sustainably deliver protein for the future, considering drivers and challenges relating to nutritional, environmental, and technological and market/consumer domains. It concludes that different factors influence the potential of existing and novel sources. Existing protein sources are primarily hindered by their negative environmental impacts with some concerns around health. However, they offer social and economic benefits, and have a high level of consumer acceptance. Furthermore, recent research emphasizes the role of livestock as part of the solution to greenhouse gas emissions, and indicates that animal-based protein has an important role as part of a sustainable diet and as a contributor to food security. Novel proteins require the development of new value chains, and attention to issues such as production costs, food safety, scalability and consumer acceptance. Furthermore, positive environmental impacts cannot be assumed with novel protein sources and care must be taken to ensure that comparisons between novel and existing protein sources are valid. Greater alignment of political forces, and the involvement of wider stakeholders in a governance role, as well as development/commercialization role, is required to address both sources of protein and ensure food security.

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Reducing food’s environmental impacts through producers and consumers

2018-06-01

Joseph Poore , Thomas Nemecek

The global impacts of food production Food is produced and processed by millions of farmers and intermediaries globally, with substantial associated environmental costs. Given the heterogeneity of producers, what is … The global impacts of food production Food is produced and processed by millions of farmers and intermediaries globally, with substantial associated environmental costs. Given the heterogeneity of producers, what is the best way to reduce food's environmental impacts? Poore and Nemecek consolidated data on the multiple environmental impacts of ∼38,000 farms producing 40 different agricultural goods around the world in a meta-analysis comparing various types of food production systems. The environmental cost of producing the same goods can be highly variable. However, this heterogeneity creates opportunities to target the small numbers of producers that have the most impact. Science , this issue p. 987

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Meat consumption, health, and the environment

2018-07-19

H. Charles J. Godfray , Paul Aveyard , Tara Garnett +7 more

Both the global average per capita consumption of meat and the total amount of meat consumed are rising, driven by increasing average individual incomes and by population growth. The consumption … Both the global average per capita consumption of meat and the total amount of meat consumed are rising, driven by increasing average individual incomes and by population growth. The consumption of different types of meat and meat products has substantial effects on people's health, and livestock production can have major negative effects on the environment. Here, we explore the evidence base for these assertions and the options policy-makers have should they wish to intervene to affect population meat consumption. We highlight where more research is required and the great importance of integrating insights from the natural and social sciences.

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Options for keeping the food system within environmental limits

2018-10-09

Marco Springmann , Michael Clark , Daniel Mason-D’Croz +7 more

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Food in the Anthropocene: the EAT–Lancet Commission on healthy diets from sustainable food systems

2019-01-17

Walter C. Willett , Johan Rockström , Brent Loken +7 more

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Livestock to 2020: the next food revolution

1999-01-01

Christopher L. Delgado , Mark W. Rosegrant , H. Steinfeld +2 more

A team of researchers from the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the International Research Institute (ILRI) collaborated to … A team of researchers from the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the International Research Institute (ILRI) collaborated to produce this comprehensive and even-handed attempt at defining the nature, extent, scope, and implications of what they term the Livestock Revolution” in developing countries. Looking forward to 2020, they argue convincingly that the structural shifts in world agriculture being brought about by shifts in developing-country demand for foods of animal origin will continue and that increasingly global markets have the ability to supply both cereal and animal products in desired quantities without undue price rises. They emphasize, however, that policy decisions taken for the livestock sector of developing countries will determine whether the Revolution helps or harms the world's poor and malnourished. The report emphasizes the importance of continued investment in both research on and development of animal and feed grain production and processing, and the need for policy action to help small, poor livestock producers become better integrated with commercial livestock marketing and processing. It details a host of requirements in the area of technology development for production and processing of livestock products, potential benefits from new technologies, and critical policy issues for environmental conservation and protection of public health.

Food systems are responsible for a third of global anthropogenic GHG emissions

2021-03-08

Monica Crippa , Efisio Solazzo , Diego Guizzardi +3 more

Cultured meat neophobia: Understanding consumer attitudes and behavioral intentions toward an emerging food innovation

2025-06-25

Nazlı Gamze Özel , Remzi Altunışık | Business And Management Studies An International Journal

This study examines the impact of cultured meat neophobia on Turkish consumers' attitudes and behavioral intentions, with a focus on understanding the barriers to the acceptance of innovative and sustainable … This study examines the impact of cultured meat neophobia on Turkish consumers' attitudes and behavioral intentions, with a focus on understanding the barriers to the acceptance of innovative and sustainable food products. Data obtained from 278 participants were analyzed via partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) performed with SmartPLS. The results reveal that Turkish consumers exhibit cultured meat neophobia, driven by concerns about meat quality, health, safety, and economic factors, which negatively influence attitudes. However, ethical, social, and cultural concerns have no significant impact. Attitudes strongly influence behavioral intention and mediate the relationship between specific dimensions of neophobia and intention, while subjective norms independently affect intention. This study is the first to apply the cultured meat neophobia scale (Tsvakirai et al., 2023) in a different cultural context, offering novel theoretical and empirical insights within the framework of the Theory of Reasoned Action.

Plant-based trends: consumer’s perception and factors that influence the purchase of plant-based products

2025-06-24

Geise de Castro Carvalho , João de Deus Souza Carneiro , Renata Abadia Reis Rocha +1 more | British Food Journal

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the behavior and factors influencing the purchase and consumption of plant-based products. It specifically examines how additive type, ingredient list length and product descriptions … Purpose This study aims to evaluate the behavior and factors influencing the purchase and consumption of plant-based products. It specifically examines how additive type, ingredient list length and product descriptions affect consumers’ health perceptions and purchase intentions. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was conducted with 153 consumers of plant-based products using a self-administered questionnaire via Google Forms. The study was divided into two stages: market research and conjoint analysis. Findings Factors influencing consumption and purchase decisions varied by consumer type. Vegans and vegetarians prioritized animal ethics and socio-environmental concerns, while flexitarians focused on health and well-being. When evaluating plant-based milk alternative labeling, consumers generally perceived ingredients as “healthy,” except for sugar and certain additives, which were classified as “unhealthy.” Conjoint analysis revealed that additive type was the most influential factor in shaping health perceptions. Consumers exhibited a higher purchase intention for plant-based milk alternatives with no additives, shorter ingredient lists and labels indicating “100% plant-based.” Practical implications The findings provide actionable recommendations for food manufacturers and marketers, emphasizing the need for ingredient transparency, clean labeling and strategic product positioning to effectively engage vegan, vegetarian and flexitarian consumers. Originality/value This study provides a novel perspective on consumer behavior and decision-making in the plant-based market, particularly regarding plant-based milk alternatives. While previous research has examined general attitudes toward plant-based diets, this study systematically analyzes how ingredient transparency, additive type and product descriptors influence consumer choices. Additionally, it contributes to understanding the distinct purchasing motivations of vegan, vegetarian and flexitarian consumers, offering empirical insights for tailored marketing and product development strategies.

Current Impacts of Diet and Agriculture on Health and the Environment

2025-06-24

| The MIT Press eBooks

Bringing Planetary Eating Home: How to Shop, Cook, and Eat to Maximize Environmental and Nutritional Benefits

2025-06-24

| The MIT Press eBooks

Decoding Health Professionals’ Attitudes and Perceptions Towards Plant-Based Nutrition: A Narrative Review

2025-06-24

Judith Sempa , Priscilla Brenes , Kelly Whitehair +2 more | Nutrients

Background/Objectives: The ongoing obesity epidemic remains a significant public health challenge in the U.S. Nearly one-third of adults are overweight, and nearly half of the population (42.4%) are obese. These … Background/Objectives: The ongoing obesity epidemic remains a significant public health challenge in the U.S. Nearly one-third of adults are overweight, and nearly half of the population (42.4%) are obese. These conditions, driven by poor and unsustainable diets, are major risk factors for several chronic diseases, including heart disease, which continues to be the leading cause of death in the country. This review aims to examine existing research on health care professionals’ attitudes and perceptions of plant-based nutrition and explore how this knowledge can be utilized to promote the adoption of plant-based diets (PBDs) among Americans as an alternative to the standard American diet. Methods: PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched in April, 2024. Out of the 151 articles identified, 27 were deemed eligible and included in the narrative review. Results: Nine key themes were identified as major influences on the attitudes and behaviors of health professionals regarding PBDs. These themes were mapped with the domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to stratify key enablers and barriers to implementation of PBDs in routine care for patients. Conclusions: Key barriers to incorporating plant-based nutrition into routine care include time constraints, limited educational resources, insufficient skills, lack of multidisciplinary collaboration, and inadequate professional training. Access to evidence-based research summaries, clear guidelines, ongoing professional development, and other relevant educational resources were identified as facilitators of successfully integrating PBDs into everyday practice.

Biyogaz Üretim Süreçlerinde Enerji Verimliliği ve Çevresel Sürdürülebilirliğin Artırılması: Bir Vaka Çalışması

2025-06-24

Şeyhmus Tümür | Muş Alparslan Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi

Sürdürülebilirlik, ekonomik büyüme, sosyal adalet ve çevresel korumayı dengeleyen bir yaklaşımdır. Bu çalışmada, sürdürülebilirliğin önemli bir parçası olan atık yönetimi ve enerji üretimi üzerine odaklanılmıştır. Özellikle, düzensiz depolama sahalarından elde … Sürdürülebilirlik, ekonomik büyüme, sosyal adalet ve çevresel korumayı dengeleyen bir yaklaşımdır. Bu çalışmada, sürdürülebilirliğin önemli bir parçası olan atık yönetimi ve enerji üretimi üzerine odaklanılmıştır. Özellikle, düzensiz depolama sahalarından elde edilen biyogazın metan içeriği ve enerji üretimi arasındaki ilişki incelenmiştir. Düzensiz depolama sahalarında üretilen biyogazın enerji potansiyelini en üst düzeye çıkarmak amacıyla bu çalışmada, Batman ili katı atık ve biyogaz üretim tesisinde üç aylık süre zarfında elde edilen biyogaz numunelerinin metan içeriği ve enerji üretimi arasındaki ilişki incelenmiştir. Elde edilen bulgular doğrultusunda, biyogazdaki metan oranını artırmak için tesis süreçlerine yönelik farklı iyileştirme önerileri geliştirilmiştir. Çalışma sonuçları, düzensiz depolama sahalarından elde edilen biyogazın enerji potansiyelinin, metan içeriği ile doğrudan ilişkili olduğunu göstermiştir. Tesis süreçlerine yönelik önerilen iyileştirmelerle biyogazdaki metan oranı artırılarak enerji verimliliği önemli ölçüde yükseltilebilir. Bu çalışma, biyogaz üretim tesislerinin verimliliğini artırmak ve sürdürülebilir enerji üretimine katkı sağlamak için önemli bir adım teşkil etmektedir.

Introducing a comprehensive and configurable tool for calculating environmental and social footprints for use in dietary assessments

2025-06-24

Elin Röös , Maria Jacobsen , Ludvig Karlsson +4 more | Journal of Cleaner Production

Extensive vs. intensive sugar beet production: Energy and environmental performance in Hamadan, Iran (a fuzzy clustering approach)

2025-06-24

Majid Namdari , Shahin Rafiee , Soleiman Hosseinpour | Journal of Environmental Management

Enhancing climate resilience and sustainability through agroecology: A review of key principles and recent advances (2020–2025)

2025-06-24

Ayça Akça Uçkun | World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews

Agroecology has emerged as a comprehensive and integrative framework that combines ecological science, traditional knowledge systems, and participatory methodologies to reconfigure food systems in response to the interlinked crises of … Agroecology has emerged as a comprehensive and integrative framework that combines ecological science, traditional knowledge systems, and participatory methodologies to reconfigure food systems in response to the interlinked crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and socio-economic inequality. This review synthesizes recent scientific developments (2020–2025), examining the core principles of agroecology, its contributions to biodiversity conservation and climate resilience, and its transformative potential in fostering circular sustainability and farmer participation. Drawing on a wide range of global and Mediterranean case studies, including olive-based systems in Turkey, the paper highlights how agroecological practices can reduce dependency on external inputs, promote ecological regeneration, and enhance socio-ecological resilience. The review concludes with a critical discussion on policy integration, knowledge co-production, and enabling conditions for scaling agroecology across both smallholder and commercial farming systems.

A practical tool to assess regenerative approaches in food businesses

2025-06-24

Bruna L. Amante , Max Yamauchi Levy , Daniel Borrero +2 more | Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems

Food systems account for approximately 34% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This figure in itself stresses the urgent need for effective solutions that mitigate impacts while ensuring food security. Regenerative … Food systems account for approximately 34% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This figure in itself stresses the urgent need for effective solutions that mitigate impacts while ensuring food security. Regenerative Agriculture and Regenerative Food Businesses are emerging as promising approaches to address this challenge. However, it is essential to develop accessible methods to gather and standardize information on regenerative framework to gain stakeholder support and encourage business adoption. This article presents the Initial Perception of the Regenerative Approach (IPRA) tool, designed to provide a rapid and preliminary assessment of the alignment of food businesses in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) with the regenerative approach. IPRA evaluates whether a company’s actions, intentions, and narrative are aligned of regenerative principles and practices. Its goal is to generate sufficient data, at low cost, to enable different institutions to analyze and identify business models that align with their interests, prior to investing in more in-depth field studies. The tool comprises four main instruments that support the systematic collection of business information and the evaluation of regenerative attributes across environmental, social, and economic dimensions. A scoring system (0–4) is used, integrated with qualitative data from interviews. The IPRA was employed in the analysis of 55 food businesses drawn from a previous mapping of 181 businesses across the Amazon and Central American Dry Corridor. The results showed that the tool is capable of providing a general overview of the regenerative approach adopted by businesses, as well as enabling comparisons among them. It also serves as a useful resource for stakeholders seeking a deeper understanding of businesses they might be interests in. These findings revealed varying levels of alignment among the businesses, with an overall correspondence with regenerative practices highlighted in existing literature, particularly in agronomic and environmental aspects. The tool proved adaptable, effective, and cost-efficient for gathering data across the food system, including agricultural production, forest food gathering, or commercial processing. This rapid overview offered by the IPRA could play a key role in supporting the urgent development of public policy frameworks and other actions aimed at strengthening and advancing the regenerative approach throughout LAC.

Sustainability aspects of food and drinks offered in vending machines at Slovenian universities

2025-06-23

Urška Rozman , Mateja Lorber , Anja Bolha +3 more | Frontiers in Nutrition

Introduction Vending machines offer a convenient way for food distribution, particularly favored by employees, students, and individuals seeking a quick snack. Food vending machines typically offer unhealthy, calorie-dense, and nutrient-poor … Introduction Vending machines offer a convenient way for food distribution, particularly favored by employees, students, and individuals seeking a quick snack. Food vending machines typically offer unhealthy, calorie-dense, and nutrient-poor options, which contribute to the rise of non-communicable diseases. Creating a healthier food environment is crucial, particularly in universities where students are developing their eating habits and becoming more independent. Key considerations for vending machines include the quality, nutritional value, and price of the products with a recent and growing attention toward sustainability. Methods The present study thoroughly examined 30 vending machines across 30 faculties in Slovenia. The analysis focused on assessing the variety and sustainability of the available products. The following was evaluated through three primary criteria, based on the information available on the product label: nutritional quality, environmental impact (palm oil content, packaging materials, and sustainability certificates), and socioeconomic indicators (suitability for people with special dietary needs). Results The results revealed a low proportion of products met the proposed sustainability criteria, highlighting the need to promote sustainability in the vending machine industry. Although food categories like dairy products, fruits, and nuts have better nutritional profiles, they are underrepresented. In contrast, items like biscuits, crisps, snacks, and pre-prepared sandwiches often exceed recommended fat, salt, and sugar levels. More than one-quarter of products contained palm oil, only two were labeled as palm oil-free, and a limited proportion of products were suitable for individuals with special dietary requirements such as gluten sensitivity and lactose intolerance. Discussion Improving the food selection in vending machines, guided by suggested sustainability criteria, presents a promising strategy for reshaping the food environment and promoting sustainable healthy diets, taking into account nutritional, environmental, and socioeconomic indicators.

Climate impacts and monetary costs of healthy diets worldwide

2025-06-23

William A. Masters , Yan Bai , Elena Martínez +3 more | Research Square (Research Square)

<title>Abstract</title> About 2.8 billion people worldwide cannot afford the least expensive foods required for a healthy diet1. Since 2020, the Cost and Affordability of a Healthy Diet (CoAHD) has been … <title>Abstract</title> About 2.8 billion people worldwide cannot afford the least expensive foods required for a healthy diet1. Since 2020, the Cost and Affordability of a Healthy Diet (CoAHD) has been published for all countries by FAO and the World Bank and is widely used to guide social protection, agricultural, and public health and nutrition policies2,3,4. Here, we measure how healthy diets could be obtained with the lowest possible greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, in ways that could further inform food choice and policy decisions towards sustainability goals5,6,7,8,9. We find that the lowest possible GHG emissions for a healthy diet in 2021 would emit 0.67 kg CO₂e (SD=0.10) and cost US$6.95 (SD=1.86) per day, while each country’s lowest-priced items would emit 1.65 kg CO₂e (SD=0.56) and cost $3.68 (SD=0.75). Healthy diets with foods in proportions actually consumed in each country would emit 2.44 kg CO₂e (SD=1.27) and cost $9.96 (SD=4.92). Differences in emissions are driven by item selection within animal-source foods, and starchy staples to a lesser extent, with only minor differences in other food groups. Results show how changes in agricultural policy and food choice can most cost-effectively support healthier and more sustainable diets worldwide.

Towards a More Holistic Comparative Assessment of Plant-Based Alternative Beverages and Dairy Milk: A True Cost Accounting Approach

2025-06-23

M.R. Bellon , Nicholas Benard , Jane E. Coghlan +1 more | Foods

There is a growing market for plant-based alternative beverages (PBAs) promoted as alternatives to dairy milk. Part of their popularity is that consumers consider them better for both the environment … There is a growing market for plant-based alternative beverages (PBAs) promoted as alternatives to dairy milk. Part of their popularity is that consumers consider them better for both the environment and human health. These perceptions, however, may not be entirely supported by scientific evidence. A holistic comparison of dairy milk and PBAs is difficult because their prices typically do not reflect their environmental and nutritional health impacts, although PBAs tend to be significantly more expensive than dairy milk. Here, we integrate key results from the scientific literature using a True Cost Accounting (TCA) approach to compare dairy milk and five PBAs based on their market retail price and a quantification—and when possible, monetization—of key environmental, nutritional, and social impacts: Global Warming Potential (GWP), dietary risks, and forced labor, respectively. We compare whole dairy milk with five PBAs: soy, almond, oat, coconut, and pea, which account for 97% of retail market sales in the USA. The results show that while environmental, nutritional, and social benefits attributed to PBAs compared to dairy milk exist and can be significant, they are heterogenous, and for some PBAs, they may not be as significant as commonly perceived, particularly when the price premium they command are considered.

Performance, Metabolism, and Economic Implications of Replacing Soybean Meal with Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles in Feedlot Cattle Diets

2025-06-23

Andrei L. R. Brunetto , Guilherme Luiz Deolindo , Ana Luiza de Freitas Dos Santos +7 more | Fermentation

The growing demand for biofuels, especially ethanol produced from corn, has driven the production of co-products such as dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). With a high protein content (around … The growing demand for biofuels, especially ethanol produced from corn, has driven the production of co-products such as dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). With a high protein content (around 30%), fiber, and minerals, DDGS presents an economical alternative for animal nutrition, replacing traditional sources like soybean meal while maintaining productive performance and reducing costs. This study evaluated the total replacement of soybean meal with DDGS in the diet of confined Holstein cattle, focusing on weight gain, feed intake, digestibility, feed efficiency, animal health, meat quality, and economic viability. The 24 animals received diets with 80% concentrate, containing either DDGS or soybean meal, and no significant differences were observed in terms of body weight (p = 0.92), feed intake (p = 0.98), or feed efficiency (p = 0.97) between the two treatments. The average daily gain was 1.25 and 1.28 kg for cattle in the DDGS and soybean meal groups, respectively (p = 0.92). Regarding metabolic and digestive parameters, no relevant changes were found in blood levels, except for higher serum cholesterol (p = 0.03) levels in animals fed DDGS. The digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (p = 0.03) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (p = 0.05) was lower in the DDGS group, while the digestibility of ether extract was higher (p = 0.02). Rumen fluid analysis revealed an increase in the production of short-chain fatty acids (p = 0.01), such as acetic and butyric acids (p = 0.01), in the DDG-fed animals. In terms of meat quality, animals fed DDGS produced meat with lower levels of saturated fatty acids (SFA) (p = 0.05) and higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) (p = 0.02), especially oleic acid (p = 0.05). This resulted in a healthier lipid profile, with a higher UFA/SFA ratio (p = 0.01). In terms of economic viability, DDGS-based diets were 10.5% cheaper, reducing the cost of production per animal by 7.67%. Profitability increased by 110% with DDGS compared to soybean meal, despite the high transportation costs. Therefore, replacing soybean meal with DDGS is an efficient and economical alternative for feeding confined cattle, maintaining zootechnical performance, increasing meat lipid content and improving fatty acid profile, and promoting higher profitability. This alternative is particularly advantageous in regions with easy access to the product.

An in-depth approach on ecological and social processes improve quantifying the climatic impact of food production

2025-06-23

A. del Prado , Ferrán Pauné , Rubén Serrano-Zulueta +7 more | PLOS Climate

Advancing animal, human, and environmental health through innovation

2025-06-23

Younès Chorfi , Julie Blouin , David Francoz | American Journal of Veterinary Research

Monitoring nutritional, environmental and social sustainability in school food settings: A three-dimensional score-based assessment tool

2025-06-23

Mara Petruzzelli , Simone Amadori , Rico Ihle +2 more | Journal of Cleaner Production

Environmental Footprints of Red Wine Production in Piedmont, Italy

2025-06-23

Ilaria Orlandella , Matteo Cicolin , Marta Tuninetti +1 more | Sustainability

Italy is a global top wine producer, with emphasis on high-quality wines. This study investigates the Carbon Footprint (CF), Water Footprint (WF), and Ecological Footprint (EF) of twelve red wine … Italy is a global top wine producer, with emphasis on high-quality wines. This study investigates the Carbon Footprint (CF), Water Footprint (WF), and Ecological Footprint (EF) of twelve red wine producers in Piedmont, Northern Italy. The analysis was based on a 0.75 L wine bottle as functional unit (FU). Twelve producers were interviewed and given questionnaires, which made it possible to gather primary data for the environmental evaluation that described vineyard and agricultural operations and wine production. The average CF was 0.88 ± 0.3 kg CO2eq, with 44% of CF associated with the glass bottle, 20% to the diesel fuel fed to the agricultural machines, 32% to electricity consumption, and 4% to other contributions. The average WF was 881 ± 252.4 L, with 98% Green WF due to evapotranspiration, and 2% Blue and Grey WF. The average EF was 81.3 ± 57.2 global ha, 73% ascribed to the vineyard area and 27% to CO2 assimilation. The obtained CF and WF values align with existing literature, while no comparison is possible for the EF data, which are previously unknown. To reduce the environmental impacts of wine production, actions like using recycled glass bottles, electric agricultural machines and renewable energy can help. However, high-quality wine production in Piedmont is deeply rooted in tradition and mostly managed by small producers. Further research should investigate the social acceptance of such actions, and policies supporting economic incentives could be key enablers.

Defense Against Grazing and Microbial Insults

2025-06-23

Senjie Lin | CRC Press eBooks

A mangrove metaphor for sustainable food systems centres diversification as the root of human and planetary health

2025-06-23

Patrick Baur , Margiana Petersen-Rockney , Timothy M. Bowles +1 more | Nature Food

Randomised land use pathway generation allows efficient multi-outcome appraisal

2025-06-23

Joshua P. Copping , Richard B. Bradbury , Rob H. Field +1 more | Scientific Reports

Land use scenario modelling with multi-criteria evaluation is an important tool for identifying integrated solutions to challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, and food production. Ideally, such models should … Land use scenario modelling with multi-criteria evaluation is an important tool for identifying integrated solutions to challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, and food production. Ideally, such models should identify efficient solutions from a large set of potential futures. Here, we generate 10,000 random future land use pathways for the UK, with each pathway deploying a randomly-drawn quantity of eight land-based climate change mitigation measures. We show that there are multiple paths to a net zero UK land sector, with wide-ranging impacts on food production and habitat availability for breeding birds. Whilst trade-offs are inherent, we identify pathways which are more efficient than a previous exercise which considered a more limited set of futures. We also explore the consequences of achieving efficiency at different spatial or governance scales, showing that whilst UK-scale decision-making is slightly more efficient, it results in less equitable outcomes than decision-making at devolved nation scales.

Does scale matter? How local sourcing affects land use for circular food systems in the Netherlands

2025-06-21

Durk W. Tamsma , A.G.T. Schut , M.K. van Ittersum +3 more | Agricultural Systems

Development of meat product technology for students

2025-06-21

Aigul Tayeva , D. B. Aitzhan , А. K. Kurmanbekova | The Journal of Almaty Technological University

The most effective way to eliminate the identified nutritional deficiencies in the diet of students is to develop technologies for food products with increased biological value, enriched with nutrients, contributing … The most effective way to eliminate the identified nutritional deficiencies in the diet of students is to develop technologies for food products with increased biological value, enriched with nutrients, contributing to improving health, improving mental performance and strengthening the nervous system. Currently, the range of food products for students is limited, so it is of great importance to develop a technology of attractive price and quality products enriched with nutrients from environmental sources. Protein and energy deficiency causes concern about the consequences that negatively affect the health of students. In this regard, the development of alternative food technologies that improve consumer quality is an urgent task for scientists and industry specialists. The choice of the type of food products is justified by modern trends in the production of mass-consumption products of increased nutritional value, fast food, with long shelf life. This article discusses research on student nutrition and the development of technology for meat products enriched with vegetable proteins.

Environmental sustainability in dairy production: a comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Conventional and Ozone-based ripening for ‘Toma Piemontese’ raw milk cheese

2025-06-20

Vanessa Eramo , Marco di Cristofaro , R. Botondi | Journal of environmental chemical engineering

Greenhouse gas emissions altered by the introduction of a year‐long fallow to continuous rice systems

2025-06-20

Zhenglin Zhang , Tommy L. D. Fenster , Bruce A. Linquist | Journal of Environmental Quality

Abstract Rice ( Oryza sativa L.) production in California follows a norm of mono‐cropping with little to no rotations or fallows. Both winter droughts, which lead to water restrictions, and … Abstract Rice ( Oryza sativa L.) production in California follows a norm of mono‐cropping with little to no rotations or fallows. Both winter droughts, which lead to water restrictions, and spring rains, which inhibit field machinery operations, have resulted in increased fallow frequencies, where no crop is grown during the summer growing season. A 3‐year field study was conducted to investigate summer and winter greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (CH 4 and N 2 O) in three treatments: continuous rice (CR), rice following the introduction of a year‐long fallow (FR), and the fallow phase (F). Summer CH 4 emissions were lower in FR than CR in 2 out of 3 years, averaging a 33% reduction across years. Particulate organic carbon and mineral‐associated organic carbon levels in CR and FR were similar in the year with no treatment effect on CH 4 emissions—potentially due to differences in residue management. There were negligible summer CH 4 emissions in F. Summer N 2 O emissions were low for all three treatments. Summer global warming potentials (GWP) accounted for more than 96% of annual GWP in CR (13,937 kg CO 2 eq ha −1 ) and FR (9,236 kg CO 2 eq ha −1 ). For F, the winter season accounted for 94% of the annual GWP (413 kg CO 2 eq ha −1 ) due to N 2 O emissions. Overall, this study provides a valuable resource for quantifying changes in GHG emissions when fallow periods are introduced into rice monoculture in California.

Talented farm vets of the future recognised

2025-06-20

| Veterinary Record

Differential Impacts of Regenerative Agriculture Practices on Soil Organic Carbon: A Meta-Analysis of Studies from India

2025-06-20

Mukund D. Patil , C.J. Perumal , Pushpajeet Choudhari +3 more | Research Square (Research Square)

<title>Abstract</title> Regenerative agriculture (RA) is heralded as a transformative solution to combat climate change, enhance biodiversity, and improve soil health. However, its effectiveness across diverse agroclimatic contexts remains underexplored. This … <title>Abstract</title> Regenerative agriculture (RA) is heralded as a transformative solution to combat climate change, enhance biodiversity, and improve soil health. However, its effectiveness across diverse agroclimatic contexts remains underexplored. This meta-analysis synthesizes results from 147 peer-reviewed studies across India's major agro-ecological and agro-climatic regions. Using a random-effects model, we estimate the soil organic carbon (SOC) change attributable to a suite of RA practices, including organic amendments (farmyard manure, green manure, compost, and biochar), conservation tillage, crop residue retention, and fertilizer management. Biochar application resulted in the highest SOC gain, followed by farmyard manure, green manure, compost, and fertilizer management. Conservation tillage and crop residue retention demonstrated moderate, yet consistent, carbon benefits across time scales. The SOC gains were most significant over durations exceeding five years and varied across agro-ecological regions, with semi-arid and sub-humid regions showing particularly strong responses. The findings affirm that RA practices effectively sequester carbon, particularly when applied over longer durations and in regionally adapted combinations.

Pinpointing low environmental efficiency crops boosts pertinently regulating diversified agricultural environmental footprints

2025-06-20

You Wu , Junnian Song , Jiahao Xing +5 more | Environmental Impact Assessment Review

Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Fertilization Practices in Maize Cropping in Sub-Saharan Africa: Toward Climate-Smart Agriculture

2025-06-20

Pawend-taoré Christian Bougma , Loyapin Bondé , Valaire Séraphin Ouehoudja Yaro +7 more | Environments

The intensive use of nitrogen (N) fertilizers in maize (Zea mays L.) cropping in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) contributes significantly to nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. Due to limited data on emissions … The intensive use of nitrogen (N) fertilizers in maize (Zea mays L.) cropping in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) contributes significantly to nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. Due to limited data on emissions and emission factors (EFs) in SSA, this study investigates GHG emissions and proposes EFs under different fertilization regimes in maize cropping in Burkina Faso (West Africa). A randomized complete block design was used with five treatments: (i) control: no fertilizer (CK), (ii) cattle manure (M), (iii) chemical fertilizer (NPK), (iv) a combination of chemical fertilizer and cattle manure (NPKM) at the national recommended rate, and (v) farmers’ practices, which involve chemical fertilizer combined with manure at the farmers’ rate (NPKM+). Cumulative N2O emissions varied significantly among treatments (p < 0.05), with the highest under NPKM (2.86 kg N2O-N ha−1) and the lowest under CK (1.93 ± 0.11 kg N2O-N ha−1). NPKM also showed the highest methane (CH4) uptake (−0.62 kg CH4-C ha−1; p < 0.001), while CK exhibited an increasing trend (0.74 kg CH4-C ha−1). The highest N2O EF was recorded for NPK (0.37 ± 0.05%), 63% lower than the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change default value. Although NPKM treatment resulted in the highest global warming potential and maize yield, it also achieved the lowest greenhouse gas intensity per unit of yield, highlighting a more efficient trade-off between productivity and climate impact with nitrogen fertilizer use. NPKM+ was the most effective in maintaining high maize productivity with lower yield-scaled N2O emissions and GHG intensity. These findings suggest that an integrated approach combining organic and inorganic fertilizers can mitigate soil GHG emissions. Further research is needed to refine climate-smart fertilizer combinations for sustainable maize production in SSA.

The Livestock Sector's Contribution to Climate Change: Reflections on the Role of Selected International Institutions

2025-06-20

Melina Moreira Campos Lima | Environmental Policy and Law

Climate change represents the major challenge facing humanity in the modern era. While countries and intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) have made some progress in addressing the climate crisis, there remains a … Climate change represents the major challenge facing humanity in the modern era. While countries and intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) have made some progress in addressing the climate crisis, there remains a flagrant blind spot in the global response: the significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with livestock and animal-based food consumption. This Article critically explores how selected IGOs working directly or indirectly on climate change address the livestock industry and its GHG emissions. It employs a qualitative documentary and bibliographical methodology. More specifically, we analyze the following institutions: the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the European Union. One of the conclusions is that three of the four IGOs have neglected the real impact of livestock on climate change. Even though the cultural, psychological, political, and economic obstacles to including the livestock sector in climate mitigation efforts are significant, IGOs could help overcome them if they fulfill their potential role in promoting the necessary global dietary shift.

Towards circular food production systems: Identification of chemical, microbial, and physical food safety hazards in municipal sludge and excess aerobic biomass of the food industry

2025-06-20

Katja C.W. van Dongen , Gijs W. Spaans , E.M. Foekema +7 more | Environment International

On-farm resource-use efficiency in China: overall rebounding trends and region-specific enhancement opportunities

2025-06-19

Mengtian Huang , Jingyu Liu , Xiaoxi Wang +2 more | Humanities and Social Sciences Communications

Integration of Microbial Proteins into Traditional Food Systems: Innovations, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

2025-06-19

Soumitra Nath | Food Reviews International

Biochar from guinea pig manure as soil amendment: agronomic potential and cost analysis for sustainable agricultural circularity

2025-06-19

Richard Solórzano‐Acosta , L. Damian , Sentíes Herrera +5 more | Research Square (Research Square)

<title>Abstract</title> The valorization of guinea pig manure transforms a traditional input into a stable, high-value product like biochar. This study evaluated the physicochemical characteristics, toxicity, and neutralizing capacity of biochar … <title>Abstract</title> The valorization of guinea pig manure transforms a traditional input into a stable, high-value product like biochar. This study evaluated the physicochemical characteristics, toxicity, and neutralizing capacity of biochar produced by open pyrolysis in Huancayo, Junín, Peru. Fresh manure was also characterized before pyrolysis, and its median lethal dose was determined. Results showed that uncompacted manure had a volume of 2,883.99 cm³ (0.293 kg/cm³), and compacted manure 2,205.41 cm³ (0.380 kg/cm³). The resulting biochar had high contents of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, ash (34.6%), and fixed carbon (37.9%), along with an alkaline pH (9.07), high cation exchange capacity (48.8 meq/100g), and elevated organic matter (62%), indicating its potential to improve acidic soils. Moisture content (34.8%) and the presence of microelements (Mg, Cu, Ca, Zn) also suggest agronomic benefits. Economically, producing one ton of biochar from guinea pig manure costs approximately 231.23 soles, while its market value is 3,515.31 soles per ton, reflecting significant added value. Overall, guinea pig manure-derived biochar presents a promising alternative to plant-based biochars due to its superior nutrient profile. Nonetheless, crop-specific safety evaluations are essential prior to its agricultural use to ensure both effectiveness and safety.

Integrating climate-change adaptation and greenhouse-gas mitigation in the livestock industry: a review

2025-06-19

Sineka Munidasa , Brendan Cullen , Richard Eckard +2 more | Animal Production Science

Climate actions in the livestock industry at regional, national, and international levels have historically focused on mitigating greenhouse-gas emissions, with adaptation often treated separately or lagging. With climate change already … Climate actions in the livestock industry at regional, national, and international levels have historically focused on mitigating greenhouse-gas emissions, with adaptation often treated separately or lagging. With climate change already underway, there is an urgent need to integrate adaptation and mitigation strategies into policy and practice. This paper reviews adaptation and mitigation approaches in the livestock industry, highlighting co-benefits and trade-offs for their integration at the farm level by using two distinct studies from the Australian livestock industry. Treating adaptation and mitigation interventions as separate efforts is neither cost-effective nor reflective of their interconnected nature. Adaptation measures can influence mitigation outcomes in positive, negative, or neutral ways, just as mitigation strategies can affect the farms’ ability to adapt. To explore these interactions in practice, this paper examined two distinct livestock production systems, namely, pasture-based dairying in southern Australia and extensive beef production in northern Australia. These systems operate under unique conditions that shape their adaptation and mitigation options. Grazing-based southern Australian dairy farms offer more flexibility than do extensive beef farms in northern Australia, with differing proportions of emission sources. For example, enteric methane contributes about 56% of dairy farm emissions but approximately 95% of emissions from beef farms. These differences emphasize the need for tailored strategies that align with system characteristics while accounting for region-specific climate-change impacts. For instance, introducing deep-rooted, summer-active pasture species with plant secondary compounds can reduce enteric methane emissions and enhance climate resilience in both beef and dairy systems, but species selection must match regional conditions. Strategic tree planting not only sequesters carbon but also provides shade and shelter, improving animal welfare in warming climates. Despite the potential benefits, integrating adaptation and mitigation interventions remains underexplored in empirical research. Key research gaps include the need for long-term studies on the effectiveness of integrated strategies, analyses to assess cost-effectiveness and adoption barriers and region-specific research that accounts for diverse climatic and management conditions. Overall, strengthening the integration of adaptation and mitigation in livestock farming systems is not just an opportunity but a necessity for ensuring a resilient, low-emission, and economically viable future in an increasingly unpredictable climate.

Az irritábilis bél szindrómában szenvedők dietetikai ellátása

2025-06-18

Sarolta Dakó | Magyar Belorvosi Archívum

Az irritábilis bél szindróma az agy-bél tengely zavarával járó betegség, amely hasi fájdalommal és a széklet változásával jelentkezik. A dietetikai tanácsadás kiemelten fontos, mivel az étrendet egyénileg kell igazítani a … Az irritábilis bél szindróma az agy-bél tengely zavarával járó betegség, amely hasi fájdalommal és a széklet változásával jelentkezik. A dietetikai tanácsadás kiemelten fontos, mivel az étrendet egyénileg kell igazítani a betegek tüneteihez. A betegség kezelésében többféle népszerű diéta felmerült, de jelenleg csak a FODMAP-szegény étrend kedvező hatását támasztják alá tudományos bizonyítékok. A gluténmentes diéta ellenben nem javasolt, mivel valószínűleg a tüneteket nem a glutén, hanem a búza és a benne lévő fruktánok csökkentése mérsékelheti, így felesleges korlátozást jelent a betegek számára. Az eliminációs diéták hosszú távon csak bizonyított élelmiszer-intolerancia esetén ndokoltak, szakértő dietetikus felügyeletével. Az élelmi rostok közül a vízben oldódó rostok kedvezően hatnak, míg a nem oldható rostok fokozhatják a tüneteket. A megfelelő folyadékbevitel szükséges a rostok kedvező hatásainak eléréséhez. A probiotikumok közül bizonyos törzsek, egyes betegcsoportokban képesek csökkenteni a tüneteket. A prebiotikumok alkalmazása viszont nem ajánlott, mivel kedvező hatásuk nem bizonyított, ugyanakkor egyes prebiotikumok akár fokozhatják is a tüneteket. Magyarországon 2024 októberében új szakmai irányelv jelent meg az irritábilis bél szindróma kezelésére, amely hangsúlyozza a dietetikai tanácsadás szerepét és segít eligazodni a különböző terápiás lehetőségek között.

World dairy system sustainability: a milk quality perspective

2025-06-18

Hasitha Priyashantha | Frontiers in Sustainable Resource Management

The dairy industry is a crucial component of global food systems, providing essential nutrition and economic benefits to billions of livelihoods worldwide. Amidst growing challenges, the potential of milk quality … The dairy industry is a crucial component of global food systems, providing essential nutrition and economic benefits to billions of livelihoods worldwide. Amidst growing challenges, the potential of milk quality to transform sustainability efforts in the dairy processing industry and milk production systems is increasingly evident. This review discusses and investigates milk quality as a key driver for achieving environmental efficiency, reducing waste, and enhancing processing outcomes, all while safeguarding consumer health and delivering superior nutritional value. The use of improved technologies such as precision farming, automatic milking systems, and genetic selection are explored as transformative tools to enhance milk quality and optimize resource use to uplift sustainability within the industry. The dairy industry must reduce emissions associated with milk processing, while the dairy farming sector must address emissions at the raw milk production stage. Case studies included in this article illustrate successful models integrating milk quality into sustainability frameworks, emphasizing regional adaptations. Future research must prioritize to maintain or uplift the milk quality through development of climate-resilient dairy systems, innovations in circular economy practices, and scalable solutions for low- and middle-income regions. Integrating milk quality into sustainability initiatives ensures balanced economic, environmental, and social benefits, fostering resilience in the global dairy sector.

Animal and human behavior to maximize energy income and to minimize its expenditure

2025-06-18

Alexander V. Sirotkin | Biosystems

Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions in Raspberry Production: Case Study of the Yeljezno Polje Region in Bosnia and Herzegovina

2025-06-18

Eldina Muminovic , Cennet Oğuz | Deleted Journal

Sociodemographic and regional differences in dietary climate impact: findings from Finnish population surveys

2025-06-18

Laura Sares‐Jäske , Tommi Härkänen , Heli Tapanainen +4 more | Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems

Introduction Diet contributes substantially to one’s carbon footprint. Climate impact of diet varies between certain sociodemographic groups, but no studies have comprehensively compared the climate impact of diet between sociodemographic … Introduction Diet contributes substantially to one’s carbon footprint. Climate impact of diet varies between certain sociodemographic groups, but no studies have comprehensively compared the climate impact of diet between sociodemographic groups and regions in Finland. Aims of this study were to compare absolute and energy-adjusted dietary climate impacts between sociodemographic groups and to illustrate their regional distributions on maps. Methods The FinHealth 2017 Study data ( n = 5,123) comprising individuals aged 18–99 years, and additionally for the spatial analyses, FINRISK 2012 and Health 2011 survey data were utilized (combined n = 14,692). Dietary intake information was collected using validated food frequency questionnaires. Products’ climate impacts, produced with the life cycle assessment, were linked to the ingredient groups used in food consumption data, and individual-level climate impacts/day [kg CO 2 equivalents (eq)/day and kg CO 2 eq/megajoule/day] were estimated. Statistical analyses for maps were based on 10×10 km square data and on spatial Besag-York-Mollie model. Linear regression model was used to study differences between sociodemographic groups. Results and discussion Men had higher absolute and energy-adjusted dietary climate impacts than women did. In women and in men, the climate impacts were the highest in the 35–54-year-olds, and those living with underage children, and the lowest in the 75–99-year-olds and those living alone. Women living in remote rural areas, and men in the highest income quintile had high dietary climate impacts. On maps, the climate impacts were low in southern Finland near the capital region. Higher levels appeared in men especially in parts of central Finland. Results of absolute and energy-adjusted climate impacts showed mainly similar patterns. Information on the differences between sociodemographic groups can be used when targeting policies concerning transition towards more climate-friendly diets to sociodemographic groups with high dietary climate impacts.

Conceptualizing the Irish and UK food systems

2025-06-18

Alice Gilmour , John Ingram , Monika Zurek | Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems

As with any food system around the world today, the food system pan-Ireland and the UK are considered unsustainable as it is adversely affecting the environment and failing to provide … As with any food system around the world today, the food system pan-Ireland and the UK are considered unsustainable as it is adversely affecting the environment and failing to provide the entire population with food and nutrition security. Integrated food systems research is becoming evermore necessary as any interventions targeting food system transformation must consider not only production to consumption but also the wider environmental and socioeconomic context. This paper proposes a new food system conceptual framework (the Food Co-Centre Conceptual Framework ) which was developed via multi-stakeholder collaboration through a mixed-methods approach of: interviews, focus groups, webinars and workshops. The conceptual framework conveys the components (activities, drivers, outcomes, feedbacks) encompassed in the Irish and UK food system. Visually representing the food system pan-Ireland and the UK will help stakeholders comprehend the multidimensionality of the food system as well as any trade-offs and synergies. Thus, it is a valuable tool for designing and discussing food system transformation policies and interventions.

Historical carbon emissions and future mitigation potentials from staple food cropping systems in China

2025-06-17

Haotian Tong , Xu Guo , Muhammad Shahbaz +1 more | Journal of Environmental Management

Organic farming: A strategy for a sustainable and secure food system

2025-06-17

Manisha Arora Pandit , Saloni Gulati , K. Mallika +2 more | Plant Science Today

The growing human population presents a global challenge in providing adequate food, shelter and a healthy lifestyle. Sustainable food production and environmental stewardship are essential for addressing food security and … The growing human population presents a global challenge in providing adequate food, shelter and a healthy lifestyle. Sustainable food production and environmental stewardship are essential for addressing food security and environmental preservation. Organic farming is gaining popularity due to its perceived safety, health and ecological benefits. However, there are differing viewpoints on its role in sustainability. Despite advances in agricultural productivity and the use of GMOs, hunger persists in the poorest countries. This review aims to answer whether organic farming is the future of sustainable agriculture to address the world's growing food needs. The Green Revolution has led to increased agricultural output and income, but it has also led to lower-quality food and environmental degradation due to chemical use. Health concerns, such as hormone imbalances and cancers, have been raised due to these practices. Organic farming, which avoids artificial inputs and uses biological control methods, has gained momentum in developed nations. It promotes ecological restoration, plant, animal and soil health and improves biodiversity. Sustainable agriculture should support both the economy and the environment.

Translating European green deal goals to strengthen African food system resilience: insights from the NEEMA project

2025-06-17

Fernando Rivero‐Pino , África Fernández‐Prior , Kathrin Schindler +6 more | GeoJournal

Key Influencing Factors in the Variation in Livestock Carbon Emissions in the Grassland Region of Gannan Prefecture, China (2009–2024)

2025-06-17

Guohua Chang , Jinxiang Wang , Panliang Liu +5 more | Agriculture

Research was conducted in Gannan Prefecture, China, to better understand the characteristics of carbon emissions and sequestration in areas dominated by animal husbandry. The emission factor method was used to … Research was conducted in Gannan Prefecture, China, to better understand the characteristics of carbon emissions and sequestration in areas dominated by animal husbandry. The emission factor method was used to calculate and analyze changes in carbon emissions from 2009 to 2024. The region’s average annual carbon emissions from animal husbandry are 774,286 t C-eq (2,839,049 t CO2eq), with enteric emissions from cattle being the biggest contributor. However, as the number of locally raised cattle and sheep has decreased, carbon emissions have gradually fallen at an average annual rate of −1.0%. The annual average total carbon sequestration of vegetation in the region is 6,861,535 t C-eq, and the carbon content in underground biomass is higher than that in aboveground biomass, making it the main contributor to grassland carbon sequestration. Carbon sequestration from grassland vegetation is greater than the carbon emissions from animal husbandry, which means that the entire production system is currently a carbon sink. Meanwhile, the analysis of land-use carbon sequestration found that the annual average total sequestration by forests and grasslands over the same time period was 752,327 t C-eq, and sequestration is increasing at an annual rate of 1.4%, primarily driven by the progressive expansion of forested areas. Although the regional carbon emissions from animal husbandry are lower than the carbon sequestration, developing a science-based animal husbandry plan aligned with regional ecological thresholds, continuing to implement grass–livestock balance management measures, and preventing livestock numbers from exceeding their ecological carrying capacity remain critical to promoting sustainable coordination between livestock economies and ecological conservation.

Equity and efficiency of livestock methane emission: An analysis based on China city-level data

2025-06-17

Ming Li , Haifeng Xiao | Journal of Cleaner Production