Summary
This modelling study coupled a region-specific global health model with emissions accounting and economic valuation to assess the dual health and climate benefits of dietary change towards lower animal-sourced food consumption. The analysis demonstrates that whilst three-quarters of absolute benefits accrue to developing countries, per capita impacts are greatest in developed nations. The monetised health gains from dietary shifts potentially exceed the economic value of climate change mitigation achieved, suggesting substantial co-benefits from dietary change strategies.
UK applicability
As a developed, high-income country, the United Kingdom would experience substantial per capita health benefits from reduced animal product consumption. These findings are relevant to UK public health policy, NHS burden reduction, and climate commitments, though implementation would require consideration of food system transitions, agricultural livelihoods, and consumer behaviour.
Key measures
Greenhouse gas emissions avoided; premature mortality prevented; health burden reduction; monetised economic value of health improvements and climate damages avoided; regional and per capita impacts across developed and developing countries
Outcomes reported
The study quantified linked health and environmental consequences of dietary changes across major world regions, projecting that health and climate benefits increase with lower fractions of animal-sourced foods. The monetised value of health improvements was estimated to be comparable with or possibly larger than environmental benefits from avoided climate change damages.
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