How the world produces food needs a major transformation, which can play a crucial role in improving public health and achieving environmental sustainability, according to a new report by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).
The Nexus Assessment report, launched December 17, 2024, examined connections between issues like food security, human health, biodiversity loss and climate change, offering solutions to make food systems more sustainable and equitable. It also stated that, while food production has saved lives and improved nutrition for many people, it has also caused environmental and public health problems, calling for an urgent reform.
Over the last century, food production has grown significantly to feed the increasing global population. This growth has led to better access to calories, which has helped reduce child deaths and increased life expectancy.
However, these achievements come with serious environmental and health costs. Food systems are responsible for 21-37 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions and use up to 80 per cent of the world’s freshwater, the report pointed out.
Unsustainable farming practices have created problems like water shortages and pollution, making it clear that there is a need for change. Intensive farming methods, such as monoculture and excessive use of chemicals, have also caused biodiversity loss. This loss disrupts important processes that help food production, such as pollination and healthy soil.
The push for higher yields in farming has harmed ecosystems essential for productive agriculture. Forests and wetlands, which provide clean water and support various species, have been cleared for farming. This has reduced these ecosystems’ ability to filter water, store carbon and combat climate change.
Additionally, the lack of biodiversity threatens the genetic diversity of crops needed to survive pests and diseases. Today, just nine crops make up 65 per cent of the world's food supply. This heavy reliance makes the global food system vulnerable to disruptions.
Even though food production has improved access to calories, a lack of variety in diets is leading to a health crisis. Nearly 800 million people are food insecure, with 80 per cent living in developing countries. In contrast, unhealthy diets, which are often high in processed foods, are causing more non-communicable diseases like obesity, diabetes and heart problems.
In 2017, poor diets led to nearly 11 million deaths globally. In 2021, 42 per cent of people worldwide could not afford a healthy diet and this figure rises to 86 per cent in low-income countries. Food insecurity impacts vulnerable people the most, especially in rural parts of Asia and Africa, where many lack access to nutritious foods.
Unsustainable food systems also create additional health problems. Pollution from fertilisers and pesticides can contaminate water supplies, causing illnesses. Moreover, destroying natural habitats for farming increases contact between humans and wildlife, raising the risk of diseases that can jump from animals to humans.
More than half of new infectious diseases are linked to changes in land use and farming practices. Climate change makes these problems worse by reducing crop yields and increasing food prices, further straining food supplies.
To address these challenges, the IPBES report outlines important steps for transforming food systems:
Adopting sustainable agricultural practices: Using methods like agroecology, crop rotation and integrated pest management can improve ecosystem health while increasing agricultural productivity and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Promoting sustainable healthy diets: Switching to more plant-based diets that include fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains can reduce environmental impacts and improve health. Sustainable diets also help tackle malnutrition and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
Reducing food waste: About one third of all food produced globally, around 1.3 billion tonnes, is wasted each year. Cutting down on waste through better storage and transportation can save resources and reduce emissions.
Protecting and restoring ecosystems: Natural areas like wetlands, forests and coral reefs are essential for clean water and biodiversity. Restoring these ecosystems boosts food security by improving pollination and water quality.
Supporting small-scale and indigenous food systems: Recognising and valuing Indigenous knowledge can help manage resources sustainably and improve food security.
The report emphasised the need for comprehensive policies that connect food security with biodiversity protection and public health. Poorly coordinated approaches have historically caused inefficiencies and missed opportunities. By aligning policies across agriculture, health and the environment, we can achieve better results.