It’s time for change: How our food choices can reverse climate change

Published 9 January 2025

Food production is responsible for a quarter of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. But did you know that some foods and farming methods can actually remove more carbon from the atmosphere than they emit?

A recent BBC.com article “From nuts to kelp: The ‘carbon-negative’ foods that help reverse climate change” details how these “carbon-negative” foods leave the planet better off and offer hope in the fight against climate change.

Nuts and Trees: Nature’s Carbon Bank

Tree nuts like almonds and walnuts not only provide nutritious food but also help sequester carbon as the trees grow. Over their lifespan, nut trees absorb CO2 and store it in their wood and soil. Similarly, kelp, a type of seaweed, absorbs CO2 as it grows, with parts sinking to the ocean floor to store carbon long-term. Opting for sustainably grown nuts and exploring kelp-based foods supports reforestation and ocean health, contributing to a healthier planet. See the full article for further carbon-negative foods.

Plant-Based Foods: A Simple, Effective Solution

Transitioning from animal-based foods to plant-based alternatives like beans and tofu is one of the most impactful steps we can take. On average, plant-based protein uses 20 times less land than beef, freeing up farmland to revert to forests and grasslands, which absorb massive amounts of CO2. Research shows that if the world shifted to plant-based diets, we could remove 8 billion tonnes of CO2 annually for 100 years, significantly offsetting the environmental impact of food production

The Bottom Line

Every meal is an opportunity to fight climate change. By choosing plant-based foods, we can reduce emissions, restore ecosystems, and create a carbon-negative future.

 

BBC ARTICLE: From nuts to kelp: The ‘carbon-negative’ foods that help reverse climate change
Eating low-carbon foods helps reduce emissions, but some foods actually suck up carbon from the atmosphere, leaving the climate in a better place.

MORE: Spotlight – Earth’s Biggest Threat.
Animal agriculture is a leading cause of global warming, water usage, oceanic dead zones, land clearing, species extinction, suffering and death.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Comment

Close Comments