A recent review published in Engineering delves into the complex relationships among food systems, climate change, and air pollution, highlighting the need for sustainable strategies to address these interconnected global challenges.
Climate change and air pollution pose significant threats to food systems. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events, driven by climate change, disrupt agricultural production. For example, higher temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns have altered crop growth cycles, caused yield fluctuations, and increased uncertainty in food supply. Meanwhile, air pollution, particularly ozone pollution, damages crop leaves, and reduces agricultural productivity. These factors not only affect food supply but also impact food security and nutrition worldwide.
On the other hand, the food system is a major contributor to global climate change and air pollution. Agricultural activities, such as livestock production, fertilizer application, and rice cultivation, release substantial amounts of greenhouse gases (GHGs), including methane and nitrous oxide. The food supply chain, from production to consumption, also generates significant air pollutant emissions, contributing to poor air quality and its associated health risks.
To mitigate these impacts, the review emphasizes the importance of implementing mitigation and adaptation strategies within the food system. On the mitigation side, various measures can be taken. Crop nutrient management techniques, like the right source, right rate, right timing, and right placement (4R) nutrient stewardship program, can optimize fertilizer use and reduce emissions. In rice management, non-continuous flooding practices can cut methane emissions. For enteric fermentation mitigation in livestock, controlling livestock numbers and adjusting diets can be effective. Manure management strategies, such as covered storage and anaerobic digestion, help minimize emissions. Additionally, soil carbon management, biochar application, and demand-side measures like promoting plant-based diets and reducing food waste all play crucial roles in reducing the food system's environmental footprint.
In terms of adaptation, crop production can adopt strategies like breeding climate-resilient crops, adjusting cultivation methods, and improving water use efficiency. Livestock production can benefit from adopting climate-resilient species, implementing cross-breeding programs, and improving ventilation in animal housing.
The concept of climate-smart and environmentally friendly agri-food systems is also introduced. These systems aim to achieve food security while simultaneously mitigating climate change and adapting to its impacts. Examples from around the world, such as climate-smart villages in Asia and sustainable practices in African countries, show the potential of such approaches.
However, the researchers note that there are still gaps in current knowledge. Future research should focus on more accurate impact assessments, considering the effects on crop nutrient composition and pest and disease damage. Comprehensive tracking of food system emissions across the supply chain, with a focus on non-CO₂ emissions and high-resolution data, is also needed.
Addressing the challenges at the intersection of food systems, climate change, and air pollution requires global cooperation. Governments, policymakers, and stakeholders need to work together to implement sustainable policies and practices throughout the food supply chain, ensuring a more resilient and sustainable future for food security and the environment.
The paper "Interactions Among Food Systems, Climate Change, and Air Pollution: A Review," authored by Chaopeng Hong, Rui Zhong, Mengyao Xu, Peidong He, Huibin Mo, Yue Qin, Danna Shi, Xinlei Chen, Kebin He, Qiang Zhang. Full text of the open access paper: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eng.2024.12.021
