What is Climate-friendly and sustainable nutrition

What is Climate-friendly and sustainable nutrition 

What is Climate-friendly and sustainable nutrition

Climate-friendly and sustainable nutrition – an opportunity for change :

One of the most urgent issues of our time is climate change, which has an impact not just on the environment but also on our health and well-being. The food we eat, together with the methods used in its production, distribution, and consumption, has a big impact on the environment. Therefore, implementing a nutrition strategy that is climate-friendly and sustainable presents a chance for change for both present and future generations.

What is sustainable diet that is climate-friendly?

A diet that minimises food's negative effects on the environment while maximising its positive effects on health is referred to as climate-friendly and sustainable nutrition. It entails selecting meals that are:

low emissions of greenhouse gases:

Gases known as greenhouse gases are responsible for trapping heat in the atmosphere and causing global warming. meals with a high greenhouse gas intensity produce a lot of greenhouse gases per unit of weight, protein, or calorie, notably animal-based meals like red meat, dairy, and farmed prawns. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, peas, almonds, and lentils are examples of plant-based diets that often have a lower greenhouse gas intensity than animal-based foods1.

High nutritional value : 

The quantity and calibre of nutrients that a food offers for our health and wellbeing are referred to as the food's nutritional value. Depending on the ingredients, methods of processing, and methods of preparation, some foods are more nutrient-dense than others. For instance, because they include more vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre than refined or processed foods, whole foods are more nutrient-dense. Various disorders, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some malignancies, can be prevented and treated with the use of nutrient-rich diets.

made in a sustainable manner: 

A method of growing or raising food that respects both the environment and the people involved in the food system is known as sustainable food production. It strives to protect local communities and cultures, as well as the environment's natural resources like soil, water, and biodiversity. It also aims to reduce waste and pollution.

Why is nutrition that is climate-friendly and sustainable important?

There are various reasons why nutrition that is climate-friendly and sustainable is crucial :

Climate change poses a serious threat to the health of both people and the world since it has an impact on the supply and quality of food, water, air, and ecosystems. We can slow the rate of global warming and lessen its harmful effects by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases we emit from our food production.

consequences1. It can enhance our health: 

Health is a state of being that includes physical, mental, and social well-being in addition to the absence of disease. By consuming more nutrient-dense foods, such as those high in fibre, healthy fats, plant-based proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, we can enhance our health and lower our chance of developing chronic illnesses.2.

It can support social justice :

social justice is the equitable distribution of opportunities and resources among individuals and social groups. We can promote social justice and lessen inequality by supporting sustainable food production that upholds human rights, animal welfare, and cultural diversity3.

How can we embrace a diet that is sustainable and kind to the environment?

At first glance, adopting a sustainable and climate-friendly diet may appear difficult, but it may not be. Here are some basic pointers to get you going:

Consume more plant-based foods because they typically emit fewer greenhouse gases than animal-based foods1. Additionally, they are abundant in minerals that are good for our health2. Reduce our intake of red meat, dairy products, and eggs; increase our intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, peas, nuts, and lentils; or, if we'd like, move to a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Select foods that are cultivated or produced locally and during the time of year when they are ideally available. Local and seasonal foods are ones that are grown or produced close to where we live. Generally speaking, they are more delicious and fresh than imported or out-of-season goods. Additionally, their transportation expenses and emissions are lower1. We can cultivate our own food in gardens or on balconies or purchase local, seasonal vegetables from farmers markets or community-supported agriculture (CSA) programmes.

Refrain from wasting food: 

Food waste is any food that is wasted or lost before, during, or after it has been consumed. About one-third of the food produced worldwide is thought to be wasted1. This not only wastes money and resources but also increases greenhouse gas emissions and harms the environment. By carefully planning our meals and shopping lists, properly storing and preserving our food, using leftovers or donating them to charities, and composting organic waste, we can prevent food waste.

Educate both ourselves and others:

Promoting climate-friendly and sustainable diet requires education in order to inspire action. By reading and watching reputable sources of information on the subject, joining or starting groups or campaigns that promote change, and sharing our knowledge and experiences with our family, friends, and community, we may educate ourselves and others.

Content Source Courtesy :

1. un.org

2. orfonline.org

3. gainhealth.org

4. nutrition-hub.com

5. yfnacademy.com

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