Why It Matters for Nutrition and Health
As a company committed to advancing health through better nutrition, we understand that what ends up on our plates is shaped not only by human choices but also by the health of our environment. One of the most urgent issues threatening both nutrition and global food security today is climate change—and its complex relationship with the way we grow, produce, and consume food.
Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is already transforming the environmental conditions under which our food systems operate. From unpredictable rainfall to rising temperatures and extreme weather events like floods and droughts, these changes directly impact crop yields, livestock health, and global food supply chains. In short, climate change is making it more difficult to grow food, especially the nutritious varieties essential for health.
The Climate–Food Feedback Loop
But this relationship goes both ways. While climate change affects food systems, our food systems also play a significant role in driving climate change. Agriculture alone uses around 40% of the planet’s arable land, consumes 70% of global freshwater resources, and contributes up to 30% of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These emissions come from multiple sources—deforestation for farmland, methane released by livestock, nitrous oxide from fertilizers, and energy use in processing, packaging, and transporting food.
This massive environmental footprint is having devastating effects. Greenhouse gas emissions are fueling global warming, which in turn causes rising sea levels, land degradation, and more frequent natural disasters—all of which make food production increasingly unstable. As climate-related disasters intensify, so do disruptions in food supply and accessibility, leading to higher prices and lower availability of nutritious food.
Worse still, the impact of these disruptions is not shared equally. Low-income countries and vulnerable populations—many of whom depend heavily on agriculture for both food and income—are disproportionately affected. These communities often lack the infrastructure and resources needed to adapt to climate shocks, leading to heightened food insecurity and malnutrition. Ironically, they also tend to be the least responsible for the emissions driving the crisis.
Another dimension of this challenge is the degradation of natural ecosystems caused by current agricultural practices. In many regions, food production has come at the expense of soil health, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability. Overuse of chemical fertilizers, monocropping, deforestation, and water over-extraction are all compromising the resilience of food systems. Healthy ecosystems are crucial—they support pollination, maintain soil fertility, regulate water, and help control pests and diseases. Without them, our ability to produce healthy food is fundamentally at risk.
Healthy Diets, Healthy Planet
The nutritional consequences of this crisis are deeply concerning. Climate change and environmental degradation are already contributing to declining yields of nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts. These food groups are critical for preventing chronic diseases and ensuring healthy growth and development, especially in children. When access to these foods becomes limited or unaffordable, populations are more likely to rely on cheaper, highly processed options that are high in calories but low in nutrients—further exacerbating the global burden of diet-related diseases.
However, there is a way forward. Food systems can become part of the solution to climate change rather than a primary driver of it. By shifting toward more sustainable agricultural practices—such as regenerative farming, agroecology, and crop diversification—we can reduce emissions and restore ecosystem health. Reducing food waste, shortening supply chains, and embracing climate-smart technologies are also critical strategies.
Most importantly, dietary shifts toward more plant-based foods and fewer resource-intensive animal products can dramatically reduce environmental pressure while improving public health.
A sustainable diet is one that promotes both human and planetary well-being.
At Haelthy, we are committed to being part of this transformation. We advocate for food systems that are not only sustainable and resilient but also built around the nutritional needs of all people. Whether it’s through our products, research partnerships, or community initiatives, we believe in a future where healthy eating supports a healthy planet.
The challenges are real, but so are the opportunities. By recognizing the deep connections between climate change, food systems, and nutrition, we can work together to build a more just, resilient, and nourishing world for generations to come.
Sources:
Adapted from “Food systems and climate change: Impacts and opportunities for action” – National Library of Medicine (PMC8755053)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8755053/
