Summary
This systems modelling study quantifies the global and regional health and economic benefits of dietary shifts towards plant-based diets by reducing air pollution from food production, particularly livestock agriculture. The analysis estimates 108,000–236,000 premature deaths averted globally (3–6%) and economic gains of USD 0.6–1.3 trillion, with particularly pronounced benefits in regions with intensive agriculture and high population density. The findings suggest dietary change incentivisation as a mitigation strategy for ambient air pollution and associated health impacts.
UK applicability
The United Kingdom, with intensive livestock agriculture and high population density, may benefit from the dietary-shift scenarios modelled; however, region-specific results are provided only for Europe, North America, and Eastern Asia, so direct UK applicability requires interpretation of the European findings.
Key measures
Premature mortality averted (number and percentage by region); economic output gains (USD trillion); air pollution reductions from dietary shifts to flexitarian, vegetarian, and vegan diets
Outcomes reported
The study estimated reductions in premature mortality and economic gains from shifts towards plant-based diets using systems models, accounting for reduced air pollution from decreased livestock production emissions.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.