Is Climate Change Secretly Sabotaging Your 2025 Health Goals?

As 2025 rolls around, many of us are focused on healthy eating and exercise resolutions. However, even the best efforts can be undermined by an invisible force: climate change. Beyond extreme weather and rising seas, climate change is having a profound—and often overlooked—impact on the nutrients in the food we eat. The soil in which our food is grown is changing, and that change has profound consequences for our lives.

2025 Food Waste Issues: Soil Degradation and Nutrient Loss

Soil is the foundation of all life on earth, providing nutrients that sustain crops, livestock and the environment. However, studies show that soil quality is deteriorating due to climate-related factors such as rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall and desertification. Soil health plays an important role in human health, serving as the basis for nutrient-rich crops that sustain the world’s population. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, when land is degraded, the crops produced often lack the necessary nutrients, increasing the risk of malnutrition and related health problems, especially among groups vulnerable. In other words, an apple a day may not be enough to keep the doctor away. In addition, soil contamination with pesticides, heavy metals and other pollutants can cause serious health risks. FAO also reports that a third of the world’s land has been destroyed.

This degradation is important because nutrient-rich soil is essential for healthy food production. A 2017 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives revealed that increasing atmospheric CO2 levels lower the amount of essential nutrients such as zinc, iron and protein in crops. Wheat, rice and soybeans – the food of billions – have seen a reduction in nutrients of up to 10% compared to crops grown decades ago.

A 2018 study by the National Library of Medicine, showed alarming results, since high atmospheric CO2 affects the nutritional value of vegetables by reducing several important nutrients. A meta-analysis of 57 studies found that high levels of atmospheric CO2 lead to a 9.5% decrease in protein, an 18.0% decrease in nitrate, a 9.2% decrease in magnesium, a 16.0% decrease in iron, and a decrease in zinc by 9.4%. . These losses are concerning, as these nutrients are essential for human health, especially for vulnerable populations who may already be at risk of deficiency. The onset of climate change emphasizes the urgent need to address this decline and it is important to ensure that vegetables continue to provide the nutrients needed for a healthy diet despite rising temperatures. a CO2.

2025 Food Plans Inevitably Affected by Declining Soil Health

Degradation of land and food quality has direct consequences for human health. According to research conducted by the International Food Policy Research Institute, zinc plays an important role in human health, yet zinc deficiency remains one of the most common forms of malnutrition in the world. width. The research also stated that about 17% of the world’s population does not have enough zinc, and this number rises to 19% in Asia and 24% in Africa. This deficiency is linked to stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and mental health problems in children, and growing evidence suggests that it also contributes to the burden of diabetes and heart disease. heart later in life.

Iron deficiency, another byproduct of nutrient-poor crops, is the leading cause of anemia worldwide, affecting 1.62 billion people according to the National Institute of Health. Anemia as defined by the American Society of Hematology, occurs when there are not enough red blood cells or when the red blood cells are not working properly, and this contributes to fatigue, decreased productivity, and problems during pregnancy, with limited effects on the economy and health systems.

The combination of climate change and public health will continue to pose a major challenge, as rising CO2 levels exacerbate nutrient deficiencies in common crops, with negative consequences for nutrition around the world. Iron deficiency, already the most common nutrient deficiency in the world, and set to worsen as atmospheric CO2 increases (projected to 550 ppm by 2050) reduces iron concentration in C3 foods, legumes and corn by 4-10% according to the 2019 Stanford. University report. The report also showed that vulnerable populations, especially children aged 1-5 and women of childbearing age in regions such as South Asia, East Africa and North Africa, are disproportionately affected. These areas, which are often economically disadvantaged, rely heavily on plant-based diets for iron intake and face more than 20% anemia. The report also showed that 1.4 billion people are at risk of losing food iron > 3.8%, this emerging health crisis highlights the urgency of reducing anthropogenic warming CO2, which is due to human activities. Therefore, strengthening health systems, promoting food diversity, and promoting agricultural technologies are essential to protect global health and productivity against the effects of climate change. a climate of crops that need nutrients.

The combined effects of soil degradation, nutrient-poor crops and climate change are increasing the global burden of micronutrient deficiencies, with devastating effects on public health and economic productivity. Addressing this crisis requires urgent action to reduce CO2 emissions, improve agricultural practices, and invest in health and education systems to build resilience against serious impacts. of declining food quality.

Economic Implications for 2025: The Cost of Malnutrition

The effects of nutrient loss extend to the economy. Poor nutrition increases health care costs and reduces worker productivity. The 2019 Global Nutrition Report estimated that malnutrition costs the world economy $3.5 trillion annually. If climate change continues to damage food quality, these costs will increase and become an additional burden on ailing health care systems in many countries.

However, entrepreneurs and their designers see opportunities for disaster. Initiatives focused on regenerative agriculture, vertical farming, and climate-resilient crop technologies are on the rise. Companies like Indigo Ag and Plenty are developing solutions that promise to restore soil health while ensuring sustainable food production.

This challenge also provides an opportunity for university research and development. A first study by the University of Washington reveals that soil-building practices—such as minimal tillage, planting a variety of crops, and the use of cover crops—can significantly improve the nutrient status of crops. The research involved comparing farms across the US that had used these practices for at least five years with conventional neighboring farms and the researchers found a noticeable increase in essential minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals that support human health. These findings highlight the potential of regenerative agriculture not only to restore soil health but also to provide more nutrient-dense food, making it a compelling option for the health of human and environmental protection.

Linking the Sustainable Development Goals to a Sustainable Planet by 2025

As we set our 2025 health goals, it’s important to recognize that the path to health goes beyond what’s on our plates—it’s rooted in the soil beneath our feet. ours. Climate change, with its silent but powerful effects on soil quality and crop nutrients, is a challenge that needs urgent attention. The hidden problems of nutrient loss highlight the connection between the environment and our health, reminding us that every action we take to combat climate change – from ‘support sustainable agricultural practices to reduce carbon emissions, invest in renewable agriculture, phase out unsustainable practices by 2024, climate resilience strategies, and promote global awareness-protect directly to our ability to succeed. Should we rely entirely on vitamin and mineral supplements from the pharmaceutical industry to improve the quality of our sick diets? Let 2025 be the year to adopt a holistic vision of health that integrates health care and planetary protection. More research and development as well as strong mitigation measures against the increasing health effects of climate change.