Scientists: changing diet can save the planet

The holiday season is associated with overeating for many, but a new study from the University of British Columbia has revealed a shocking truth: humanity's diet requires radical changes to combat global warming. Scientists have established that more balanced and rational food consumption on a global scale can prevent an increase in the average temperature on Earth by the critical 2 degrees Celsius. Surprisingly, 44% of the planet's inhabitants need to reconsider their eating habits today.

As reported by TUT.AZ with reference to Environmental Research: Food Systems, fresh scientific data paints an alarming picture: half of the Earth's population and at least 90% of Canada's residents will have to change their diet to prevent catastrophic climate warming. Researchers note that these figures are even underestimated, as they are based on 2012 data. Over the past decade, population and greenhouse gas emissions have increased significantly. According to expert forecasts, by 2050, 90% of the planet's inhabitants will face the need to radically change their eating habits.

During the large-scale study, scientists analyzed data from 112 countries responsible for 99% of global greenhouse gas emissions associated with food production. The population of each country was divided into 10 groups by income level.

The results were stunning: just 15% of people with the highest emission rates are responsible for 30% of the total greenhouse gases associated with the food industry. This is comparable to the contribution of half of the planet's population with the lowest emissions. The group of main "polluters" includes predominantly affluent residents of countries with a high ecological footprint.

However, experts emphasize that the problem is much broader: a diet exceeding the acceptable climate limit is characteristic of a significantly larger number of people. Therefore, a food revolution must be carried out not only by the super-rich, but by at least half of the Earth's inhabitants. In Canada, the situation is particularly critical - all 10 population groups, regardless of income level, exceed the established limit.

Scientists propose specific measures: consume only the amount of food that is really necessary and drastically reduce or completely eliminate beef from the diet. The study showed an astonishing fact: 43% of greenhouse gas emissions associated with the diet of an average Canadian come specifically from beef consumption.