Summary
This global comparative analysis coupled a region-specific health model based on dietary and weight-related risk factors with emissions accounting and economic valuation to quantify dual health and environmental benefits of dietary change. The study finds that both health and climate benefits increase with lower fractions of animal-sourced foods in diets, with three quarters of absolute benefits occurring in developing countries but greatest per capita impacts in developed nations. The monetised value of health improvements may be comparable to or exceed environmental benefits from avoided climate damage.
UK applicability
As a high-income Western nation, the United Kingdom would likely experience substantial per capita health and environmental benefits from dietary shifts towards plant-based foods, though absolute gains would be smaller than in developing countries. The findings support UK dietary guidelines and climate policy objectives, though implementation would depend on food system transition feasibility and consumer acceptance.
Key measures
Greenhouse gas emissions avoided; premature mortality reduction; disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) averted; monetised health benefits; regional variation in per capita and absolute impacts
Outcomes reported
The study quantified linked health and environmental consequences of dietary changes towards lower animal-sourced food consumption across world regions. It projected monetised values of health improvements and climate change benefits, stratified by development level and geography.
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