Carbon dioxide and the food we eat are deeply interconnected. While CO₂ is essential for plant growth, recent studies such as those from Environmental Health Perspectives reveal that rising atmospheric CO₂ levels are undermining the nutritional value of staple crops, posing a global public health challenge.
Plants depend on CO₂ for photosynthesis, a process through which they, along with certain organisms, capture light energy and convert CO₂, water, and minerals into oxygen and energy-rich organic compounds, as explained by Britannica. However, higher CO₂ concentrations have a trade-off: as this results in faster plant growth but the dilution of essential nutrients. Research published in Science Direct in 2021 shows that CO₂, the primary greenhouse gas generated by human activities, remained stable at approximately 280 ppm for 10,000 years before the Industrial Revolution. Since then, its levels have risen by 2–3 ppm annually, reaching 415 ppm in 2020 and projected to climb to 550 ppm by 2050. If mitigation efforts are not implemented, atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations could double by the end of the century.
The Global Health Impacts of CO₂ Emissions
Nutrient deficiencies already affect over 2 billion people worldwide. With CO₂-induced nutrient losses, the numbers are projected to worsen. For example, a study by the Harvard Chan School of Public Health indicates that rising carbon dioxide levels are reducing essential nutrients in crops like wheat, rice, and legumes, including zinc, iron, protein, and key vitamins. This effect, consistent across most plant types, poses significant risks as the research further stated that by 2050, millions more people could fall below the nutritional thresholds required for good health, worsening conditions for over 2 billion already deficient. Additionally, nutrient losses in plants impact all animals that rely on plants for sustenance.
The research further stated that this decline in nutritional quality threatens global food security, as humans rely on plants for most dietary protein, iron, and zinc. By mid-century, 175 million more people could face zinc deficiency, 122 million may lack sufficient protein, and iron intake for 1.4 billion women and children under five could decrease by over 4%, raising disease risks. Vitamin B levels in rice may drop by up to 30%, further exacerbating health challenges, particularly in rice-dependent regions.
These research findings emphasize the urgent need to reduce CO₂ emissions which may be sabotaging our health goals and contributing to widespread nutritional and health crises.
The Economics of Health: Consequences of Climate Change – CO₂
The World Bank estimates that malnutrition costs the global economy $3.5 trillion annually. CO₂-driven nutrient losses could exacerbate these costs as healthcare systems grapple with increased rates of anemia, stunted growth, and other malnutrition-related conditions. According to the Lancet Commission Report, Malnutrition, encompassing both undernutrition and obesity, accounts for 19% of global ill-health and premature death, making it the leading cause. Excess body weight affects 2 billion people, while 2 billion others suffer from undernutrition, including micronutrient deficiencies. This reported further indicated that climate change exacerbates both issues through increased food insecurity caused by extreme weather, droughts, and agricultural disruptions.
Furthermore, poor nutrition, exacerbated by climate change, imposes a massive burden on healthcare systems worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, malnutrition—both undernutrition and obesity—contribute to nearly 45% of deaths in children under five, while obesity-related diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions cost healthcare systems over $2 trillion annually. Coupled with this, rising CO₂ levels, as reported by researchers from the Harvard Chan School of Public Health, are reducing key nutrients in staple crops, worsening deficiencies in zinc, iron, and protein. These deficiencies lead to anemia, weakened immune systems, and increased vulnerability to infectious diseases, placing disproportionate strain on public healthcare systems in low-income regions already grappling with limited resources.
Can We Mitigate This CO₂ Crisis?
To combat this challenge, the main solution is to reduce CO₂ emissions through renewable energy adoption. Being conscious of the emissions associated with our day to day activities can also play a key role in CO2 reduction. For example, buying an item online typically involves emissions from packaging, transportation, and delivery. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), shipping and transportation account for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, with shipping alone contributing to 10 % of global CO2 emissions. If we opt for local purchases or supporting companies with carbon-neutral shipping practices, we can reduce the emissions associated with online shopping. Furthermore, packaging waste from e-commerce has been shown to increase environmental impacts, with estimates indicating that the e-commerce packaging sector generates around 1 billion kilograms of packaging waste globally according to Statista. Therefore, being mindful of purchasing habits, such as reducing the frequency of online orders or choosing eco-friendly packaging, can contribute to a reduction in overall CO2 emissions which not only affect nutrition but also contribute to rising sea levels.
Furthermore, scientists are exploring solutions like biofortification which is essentially developing crop varieties with higher nutrient content via genetic modifications. For example, the International Rice Research Institute has developed high iron and zinc-rich rice varieties aimed at offsetting these declines.
The rising levels of CO₂ emissions present a dual challenge to both global health and food security, as they not only exacerbate nutrient deficiencies but also threaten economic stability through healthcare costs. Research highlights the urgent need for comprehensive efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, including shifts to renewable energy and mindful consumption patterns, to safeguard human health and reduce the economic burden of malnutrition. Additionally, innovative solutions such as biofortification may provide a vital strategy for enhancing crop resilience and nutrient content, helping to protect vulnerable populations from the nutritional consequences of climate change.
