TED Talks Daily How climate change could make our food less nutritious | Kristie Ebi
Sep 16, 2019
Kristie Ebi, a public health researcher, discusses the alarming impact of climate change on our food's nutritional quality. She reveals that rising carbon dioxide levels can enhance plant growth but simultaneously deplete essential nutrients in staple crops like rice and wheat. This dual challenge poses significant risks to food security and public health, particularly for vulnerable populations. Ebi emphasizes the urgent need for action to ensure equitable access to safe, nutritious food, highlighting the intersection of climate action and health.
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CO2's Double-Edged Sword
- Rising atmospheric CO2 levels benefit plant growth, but also reduce their nutritional value.
- This poses a hidden threat to global food security and human health.
Nutritional Decline
- Higher CO2 levels cause plants to produce more carbs but fewer proteins and micronutrients.
- This impacts human health and also affects livestock and even pets.
Rice Study Results
- Studies comparing rice growth under current and projected CO2 levels show significant nutrient decline.
- Protein, iron, and zinc decrease while B vitamins and folate drop even more drastically.