Here at GBICS, we think a lot about health. We teach folks about the factors that affect health – like dental hygiene, nutrition, and financial security – and design programs to increase access to healthcare and improve our guests’ overall health and wellness. To really improve the community’s health long-term, we need to be thinking of sustainable food as well.
Global food systems contribute to about a quarter of greenhouse gases that humans generate every year. These gases are making our planet warmer (HERE’S more info on that from NASA). According to the Center for Disease Control, climate change is already negatively affecting people’s health. Climate change contributes to higher rates of diseases carried by ticks and mosquitos, flooding and droughts, and extreme heat and milder winters. You can read more about the health effects of climate change HERE.
The statistics can quickly become overwhelming, but there are still decisions we can make as individuals that will help. For one, we can cut back on meat and dairy. The emissions from meat and dairy alone add up to about 14.5% of global greenhouse gases – about the same as emissions from cars, trucks, planes, and ships combined. Interested in other sustainable food changes you can make to help? Check out THIS interactive guide from The New York Times. I learned that just by opting for chicken tacos at dinner instead of steak my food-related climate for the day drops from high to low.