Summary
This global food and land system modelling study quantifies how 23 combined food system measures can simultaneously address climate change, public health, environmental degradation and social inclusion through to 2050. The analysis demonstrates that whilst individual measures involve trade-offs, their combination can reduce these tensions and realise co-benefits, with combined intervention estimated to reduce yearly mortality by 182 million life years and nearly halve nitrogen surplus. The research suggests that achieving the 1.5 °C climate target is feasible when food system measures are coupled with complementary actions outside agriculture.
UK applicability
The findings are globally derived and provide a framework applicable to UK policy-making around food system transformation. However, the study's specific measure recommendations and trade-off analyses would require contextualisation to UK agro-ecological conditions, supply chains, consumer preferences and existing regulatory landscape to inform practical implementation.
Key measures
Yearly mortality reduction (life years), nitrogen surplus reduction, absolute poverty effects, climate mitigation potential (1.5 °C alignment), and multi-dimensional outcome indicators across health, environment, social and economic domains
Outcomes reported
The study quantified the impact of 23 food system measures on 15 outcome indicators spanning public health, environment, social inclusion and economy through 2050. Key outputs included estimated mortality reduction, nitrogen surplus changes, and poverty effects when measures are combined.
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