In farming regions, emissions from agriculture pose serious health risks, especially to low-income communities, according to a study from Peking University.

The research shows that poor populations are hit hardest by health problems related to global food systems. This is important for tackling the inequalities targeted by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The role food plays

Key findings include:

• In 2017, about 260,000 premature deaths in China were linked to its food system.
• Ammonia emissions from grain farming and livestock rearing caused 74% of these deaths. The rest came from emissions during food processing, packaging, transportation, and retail.
• Low-income groups suffer a 70% higher health burden from food production compared to consumption, while high-income groups face a 29% lower risk.

The study suggests that strategies addressing both food production and consumption are needed to reduce health damage and inequalities effectively. Focusing on just one end of the food system is less effective.

Researchers used detailed emission data, economic models, and air quality management tools to assess health risks.

This study highlights the need for comprehensive approaches that address both production and consumption to lower health risks and inequalities. It provides important insights into how food systems affect health across different income groups worldwide.