You should eat this to save water and help the climate

The foods we choose to put in the basket are of great importance to the climate. For example, you can find out more about this science.dk case.

But there are also many other things to consider. For example, health.

Now, a new study indicates that things can go together. The study shows that you consume a lot of water if you eat healthy.

And high-cost foods often contribute to climate change, "researchers said.

The researchers behind the new study examined water consumption in foods from three European countries: France, the United Kingdom and Germany. Here, they saw how much water was saved if the population adopted one of three healthy eating plans: one with meat, one with fish and another vegetarian.

The conclusion shows that it takes less water to produce healthy foods. However, the meat-based diet does not save as much water as the other two.

"There is yet another study that shows that we should reduce meat consumption," says Mickey Gjerris, a biologist and associate professor in the Department of Food Economics and Resources at the University of Toronto. Copenhagen. It was not part of the new study.

The fish was as good as the vegetarian food …

The new study concludes that if everyone ate healthy, the water consumption of food could be reduced by 55%. The study included three different diets:

• The diet with meat could save 11 to 35% of consumption.
• The diet of the fish could save 33 to 55%.
• The vegetable could save 35 to 55%.

The pressure of the water does not mean much here

But why should we worry if a food product uses more or less water?

According to Jørgen Olesen, professor at the University of Aarhus, this does not matter in countries with sufficient water, such as Denmark and Norway.

He thinks the researchers should have focused on CO₂ emissions:

"Denmark has enough water because our tanks are filled with rainwater," he said.

"It only helps South Africa save water here, it's different with CO₂.

– The pressure of the water also affects other countries

Our consumption is affecting other parts of the world, "says lead author Davy Vanham of the European Commission's Research Center.

"Denmark imports a variety of foods, for example, rice, coffee, cocoa, tropical fruits, etc. Much of the rice is grown in India or Pakistan under conditions of water scarcity. less groundwater every year, "he wrote in an email.

"The study shows that healthy foods cost less in water and that it allows to import smaller foods or produce more that can be exported to other countries in more ways. sustainable, "he writes.

According to Jørgen Olesen,

"There is no doubt that there are places in the world where water consumption is a problem.There is also a problem that should be done with." But a general calculation Water pressure on food is no help.We need to do something about production systems and irrigation systems when they are not not durable.

The pressure of water and greenhouse gases are related

Although Jørgen Olesen believes that CO₂ emissions are a better target for the study, he says CO₂ emissions and water pressure often coincide.

"Some types of meat require a lot of food, which requires a lot of water and a lot of energy," he says.

Mickey Gjerris agrees that we should reduce meat consumption – because of water and climate:

"Meat is a bad idea because animals grab enormous resources – a lot is lost when they have to convert vegetable protein into animal products – beef is particularly stressful because cattle are not effective when animal feed is needed. be marketed for meat, he says.

Big difference of fish

The fish meal of the study saved almost as much water as the vegetarian diet.

At the same time, Danish scientists say that fish can be climate friendly, but there is a big difference between fish.

Coastal fish are less stressful. It's mostly diesel consumption that counts.

For example, producing a kilo of shells releases 0.1 kilo of CO₂, while a kilo of lobster releases 20.2 kilograms of CO₂. It shows a report from the Danish DCA – National Center for Food and Agriculture 2016.

By comparison, beef contains 13.9 kilograms of CO₂ per kilo. Pork costs 4.6 kilograms of CO₂ per kilo, while lamb meat releases 21.4 kilograms per kilogram.

The French drink a lot of wine and spend a lot of water

In the study, the French used more water than the Germans. The English used at least.

In southwestern France, it was the worst. Here, the most deprived areas use more than 5,000 liters of water per day and per person. This is the double of London and the north of England.

Indeed, among other things, the French eat more beef, rabbit, horse meat and game.

But there is also another important difference. The French prefer wine, while the English prefer beer. And according to the new study, there are 51 liters of water per liter of beer, while 73 liters of water carry a liter of wine.

However, Jørgen Olesen points out that there may be another solution that increases French water consumption:

"In the south of France, it's hotter and dryer, which makes it more liquid," he says.

In this way, as a consumer, you can help the climate

It is important for everyone to make an effort, tell the researchers.

"Political support is more important for climate-friendly foods, but that will not happen if politicians think they're going to lose votes on a proposal for, say, taxes on meat." the best thing to do is to change your lifestyle and tell others about it, "said Mickey Gjerris.

If you are thinking of eating more climate-friendly, you can see which foods are the least profitable in the plants.

references:

D. Vanham et al .: "The water footprint of different regimes in subnational European geographical entities", Nature Sustainability (2018), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-018-0133 -x. summary

DCA 2018 Report: Measures to Reduce Greenhouse Gases in Agriculture

Danish Food Habits 2011-2013, DTU Food Institute

Table of Climate Impacts on Food, DCA, 2016 Report

© Videnskab.dk. Translated by Lars Nygaard for research.no.