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Bakman T, Hoffmann BS, Portugal-Pereira J. A recipe for change: Analyzing the climate and ecosystem impacts of the Brazilian diet shift. Sci Total Environ 2024; 930:172568. [PMID: 38649048 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Diet shift is an opportunity to mitigate the impacts of food systems, which are responsible for about a third of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally and exert various environmental pressures on ecosystems. This study evaluates the mitigation potential of both global and local environmental impacts through dietary changes within the Brazilian context. Furthermore, the study aims to identify the potential benefits and trade-offs that may arise from these dietary transitions, thus providing a comprehensive analysis of the overall environmental implications. To this end, a life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed to evaluate the environmental impacts of a conventional diet in Brazil and seven alternatives, namely adjusted-EAT-Lancet, pescatarian, vegetarian, entomophagic (insect-based food), mycoprotein (microbial-based food), and synthetic (cell-based food) diets. Results indicate a substantial mitigation potential for GHG emissions (4-9 kg CO2e/cap/day) (39 % to 86 %) and land use (4-9 m2/cap/day) (38 % to 82 %) through a diet shift from a conventional diet to any of the seven alternative diets. However, certain trade-offs exist. A diet shift demonstrates no mitigation potential of soil acidification, and opportunities to reduce water eutrophication (0.02-0.2 g Pe/cap/day) (2 % to 24 %) and water consumption (0.2-0.5 m3/cap/day) (7 % to 14 %) were only found by completely substituting animal products for insect-based food, microbial-based food, and cell-based food. This study highlights the considerable potential of dietary changes to mitigate global environmental impacts associated with food systems. By revealing opportunities and challenges, this study supports science-based decision-making and guides efforts toward sustainable and environmentally friendly food consumption patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Bakman
- Centre for Energy and Environmental Economics (CENERGIA), Energy Planning Program (PPE), COPPE, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-917, Brazil.
| | - Bettina Susanne Hoffmann
- Escola de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-917, Brazil
| | - Joana Portugal-Pereira
- Centre for Energy and Environmental Economics (CENERGIA), Energy Planning Program (PPE), COPPE, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-917, Brazil; Centre for Innovation, Technology and Policy Research, IN+, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
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2
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Tchonkouang RD, Onyeaka H, Nkoutchou H. Assessing the vulnerability of food supply chains to climate change-induced disruptions. Sci Total Environ 2024; 920:171047. [PMID: 38373458 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Climate change is one of the most significant challenges worldwide. There is strong evidence from research that climate change will impact several food chain-related elements such as agricultural output, incomes, prices, food access, food quality, and food safety. This scoping review seeks to outline the state of knowledge of the food supply chain's vulnerability to climate change and to identify existing literature that may guide future research, policy, and decision-making aimed at enhancing the resilience of the food supply chain. A total of 1526 publications were identified using the SCOPUS database, of which 67 were selected for the present study. The vulnerability assessment methods as well as the adaptation and resilience measures that have been employed to alleviate the impact of climate change in the food supply chain were discussed. The results revealed a growing number of publications providing evidence of the weakening of the food supply chain due to climate change and extreme weather events. Our assessment demonstrated the need to broaden research into the entire food supply chain and various forms of climatic variability because most studies have concentrated on the relationships between climatic fluctuations (especially extreme rainfall, temperatures, and drought) and production. A lack of knowledge about the effects of climate change on the food supply chain and the underlying socio-economic consequences could result in underperformance or failure of the food supply chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Daphnee Tchonkouang
- MED-Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & Change-Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Helen Onyeaka
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom.
| | - Hugue Nkoutchou
- Public Policy in Africa Initiative (PPiAI), Douala, Cameroon
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3
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Djekic I, Lević S, Smigic N, Bouleau A, Ilijević K, Roganović J, Rakic V. Challenges and potential for detecting and quantifying titanium dioxide in food. J Sci Food Agric 2024. [PMID: 38308592 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.13356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Titanium dioxide (TiO2 ) is banned in some countries but its use is still permitted in others. The global food supply chain is therefore challenged with the need to use rapid and reliable testing methods to either detect the presence of TiO2 or to quantify its concentration. The goal of this study was to determine the feasibility of using color, texture profile analysis, Raman microscopy, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy to detect and quantify TiO2 in fillings used in the pastry and confectionery industry. In this study, two types of fillings were investigated: vanilla based and chocolate based. All fillings were prepared in four different variations - without TiO2 and with three concentrations as follows: 0.25 g*kg-1 , 0.5 g*kg-1 , or 0.75 g*kg-1 TiO2 per sample. The methods were selected for their ability to analyze the samples in a short period of time. RESULTS All of the methods showed moderate to high potential for detecting TiO2 in the samples. The results reveal how TiO2 affects the food matrix color and texture. Use of Raman microscopy confirms its detectability, although concentrations of TiO2 do not follow a pattern. X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy showed the greatest potential as it can not only detect TiO2 but can also quantify its concentration in the samples. CONCLUSIONS The highest potential for quantifying the concentration of this food additive was achieved with XRF. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilija Djekic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Steva Lević
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nada Smigic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | | | | | - Vesna Rakic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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4
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Zhu H, Li M, Cheng C, Han Y, Fu S, Li R, Cao G, Liu M, Cui C, Liu J, Yang X. Recent Advances in and Applications of Electrochemical Sensors Based on Covalent Organic Frameworks for Food Safety Analysis. Foods 2023; 12:4274. [PMID: 38231710 DOI: 10.3390/foods12234274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The international community has been paying close attention to the issue of food safety as a matter of public health. The presence of a wide range of contaminants in food poses a significant threat to human health, making it vital to develop detection methods for monitoring these chemical contaminants. Electrochemical sensors using emerging materials have been widely employed to detect food-derived contaminants. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have the potential for extensive applications due to their unique structure, high surface area, and tunable pore sizes. The review summarizes and explores recent advances in electrochemical sensors modified with COFs for detecting pesticides, antibiotics, heavy metal ions, and other food contaminants. Furthermore, future challenges and possible solutions will be discussed regarding food safety analysis using COFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Zhu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Nutrition & Health and Food Safety, Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition & Foods, COFCO Nutrition and Health Research Institute Co., Ltd., Beijing 102209, China
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Minjie Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Nutrition & Health and Food Safety, Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition & Foods, COFCO Nutrition and Health Research Institute Co., Ltd., Beijing 102209, China
- Internal Trade Food Science Research Institute Co., Ltd., Beijing 102209, China
| | - Cuilin Cheng
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Ying Han
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Shiyao Fu
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Ruiling Li
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | | | | | - Can Cui
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Nutrition & Health and Food Safety, Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition & Foods, COFCO Nutrition and Health Research Institute Co., Ltd., Beijing 102209, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Nutrition & Health and Food Safety, Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition & Foods, COFCO Nutrition and Health Research Institute Co., Ltd., Beijing 102209, China
- Internal Trade Food Science Research Institute Co., Ltd., Beijing 102209, China
- COFCO Corporation, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Xin Yang
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
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5
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Taoumi H, Lahrech K. Economic, environmental and social efficiency and effectiveness development in the sustainable crop agricultural sector: A systematic in-depth analysis review. Sci Total Environ 2023; 901:165761. [PMID: 37517726 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Multi-dimensional inclusion of economic, environmental, and social sustainability spheres together are the most global concerns of the agricultural crop sector. Therefore, optimizing waste and natural resources guides researchers and policymakers to structure actions and strategies to attain sustainability. Several studies have been published around the world to choose between focusing on eco-efficiency or eco-effectiveness in different aspects. This work aims to systematically apply an updated review to critically assess the agricultural research articles' contributions among the assessment of those methods, models or tools, as well as a quantitative and qualitative in-depth analysis review to classify them, according to their mapping, functions, strengths, weaknesses, and logical relationships for the evaluation in the crop agricultural sector, which is expected to be needed in future to better understand the research gaps and select the appropriate methods for sustainability evaluation from different spheres (ecology, economy, and sociology). Of 242 peer-reviewed records from 2018 to the beginning of 2023, 135 reviews and articles gathered from Web of Science and Scopus meet the criteria to be examined. Our analysis revealed that the number of reviews is limited to approximately 4.5 %; most of the case studies were carried out in countries, such as China (36 %) and Brazil (6 %), and continents such as Europe (16 %). Depending on considered aspects, most studies evaluate the efficiency, effectiveness and derivatives using a set of tools, varying between the managerial tools applied for the macro-level structuration (DPSIR, EMA, and LCA) and mathematical tools applied for the micro-level quantification, subdivided into the visualization methods (GIS), and the optimization methods (DEA, SFA, MILP, FO). Thanks to their multifunctionality in considering different aspects of input, output and influence factors variables, the in-depth analysis study suggests the application of data envelopment and stochastic analysis to carry out a multidisciplinary evaluation for the socio-eco-efficiency or the socio-eco-effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Taoumi
- SidiMohamed Ben Abdellah University (USMBA), IPI Laboratory, ENS, Fez, Morocco.
| | - Khadija Lahrech
- SidiMohamed Ben Abdellah University (USMBA), ENSA, Fez, Morocco.
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6
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Schiller KJF, Klerkx L, Salazar Centeno DJ, Poortvliet PM. Developing the agroecological niche in Nicaragua: The roles of knowledge flows and intermediaries. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2206195120. [PMID: 37956302 PMCID: PMC10666102 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2206195120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Supporting transitions to sustainable, resilient agri-food systems is important to ensure stable food supply in the face of growing climate extremes. Agroecology, or diversified farming systems based on ecological principles, can contribute to such systems. Based on a qualitative case study of Nicaragua, a forerunner in agroecology, this paper unpacks an ongoing transition to agroecology, focusing on how the transition has been shaped by knowledge flows and intermediary actors. Using a niche development framework based on knowledge processes, we analyze the growth of the agroecological niche in Nicaragua over three phases of niche development. The findings show how knowledge processes' emphases have shifted over time, as have functions enacted by intermediaries. Dedicated, diversified intermediaries have been key in creating momentum for agroecology, as have individual actors moving between niche and regime. Agency in niche development has come from both niche and regime actors. Finally, we find that Nicaragua's transition to agroecology has been ambiguous: While the niche has succeeded in changing the mainstream selection environment to its favor in some arenas, transition dynamics lag in others. Drawing lessons from this ambiguity, we suggest entry points for broader systems change, such as market stimulation, value chain development, phase-out policies, and supportive policy in related arenas. We also point out possible actions for niche actors such as integration of financial and commercial actors into niches and creation of dedicated market-focused intermediaries. Our results provide evidence of an ongoing transition and action points for supporting niche development in (sustainable agri-food) transitions around the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina J. F. Schiller
- Competence Center Policy and Society, Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (ISI), 76133Karlsruhe, Germany
- Knowledge, Technology and Innovation Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen6706KN, the Netherlands
| | - Laurens Klerkx
- Knowledge, Technology and Innovation Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen6706KN, the Netherlands
- Departamento de Economía Agraria, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad de Talca, Casilla 747-721, Talca, Chile
| | | | - P. Marijn Poortvliet
- Strategic Communication Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen6706KN, the Netherlands
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7
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Rizwanullah M, Yang A, Nasrullah M, Zhou X, Rahim A. Resilience in maize production for food security: Evaluating the role of climate-related abiotic stress in Pakistan. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22140. [PMID: 38034722 PMCID: PMC10685367 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The primary purpose of this research is to examine the impact of climate change on maize production in Pakistan. This research studied the impact of climate change on maize production in Pakistan from 1990 to 2020 using the Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) technique and draws implications for the future of Pakistan's sustainable agricultural industry. According to ARDL's short-run and long-run analyses, variables such as average temperature (AVEGTP), carbon dioxide (CO2), precipitation (PRPT), and tube well irrigation (TWL) all have a significant short-run and long-run impact on maize yield at the 1 %, 5 %, and 10 % significance levels. The estimated findings were also affirmed through FMOLS and DOLS. The study's key findings indicated that variables such as average temperature, carbon dioxide, precipitation, and tube well irrigation had significant short-run and long-run impacts on maize yield. Climate change's impacts on maize yield underline the crucial need for action to address this global issue and ensure agriculture's future. A recent study has emphasized the significant impact of climate change on Pakistan's maize production, stressing the importance of addressing this global issue for food security. The study recommends selecting crop varieties and managing fertilizer applications based on projected climate change to mitigate the impending crisis. Policymakers can use the study's findings as valuable insights to formulate effective policies that ensure the resilience and sustainability of Pakistan's agricultural industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Rizwanullah
- School of Public Administration, Xiangtan University, PR China. 411105
- South Asia Research Centre Xiangtan University, PR China. 411105
| | - Anhua Yang
- School of Public Administration, Xiangtan University, PR China. 411105
| | - Muhammad Nasrullah
- School of Public Administration, Xiangtan University, PR China. 411105
- South Asia Research Centre Xiangtan University, PR China. 411105
| | - Xue Zhou
- School of Public Administration, Xiangtan University, PR China. 411105
| | - Atif Rahim
- Business School of Xiangtan University, PR China. 411105
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8
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Furtner D, Hutas G, Tan BJW, Meier R. Journey from an Enabler to a Strategic Leader: Integration of the Medical Affairs Function in ESG Initiatives and Values. Pharmaceut Med 2023; 37:405-416. [PMID: 37464231 PMCID: PMC10587287 DOI: 10.1007/s40290-023-00485-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Like most private enterprises, the pharmaceutical industry has deeply rooted environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters that challenge its long-term sustainability. Overcoming these external challenges requires collaborative and proactive steps as well as procedures guiding the adoption of ESG principles by all internal stakeholders. Environmental challenges such as climate change, and in addition the changes in society, have resulted in the need for governance addressing and coordinating efforts. The core function of medical affairs (MA) is connecting with stakeholders within a company and also between the company and external stakeholders. In this article, we describe the involvement of MA in several aspects of ESG, as a contributor, partner, and implementer. MA has a significant opportunity to emerge as a leading function involved in ESG strategies and their tactical implementation. Although the involvement of MA in the environment pillar of ESG is less, the function can implement changes relating to the conduct of meetings, clinical studies, and the digitalization of medical education via virtual platforms. Due to its patient centricity, MA is tasked to address social determinants of health to improve patients' outcomes. As a linking function within a company and with its external stakeholders, MA can provide proactive input in policy generation and enable effective governance by adherence to standards of accountability, ethics, and compliance, as well as transparency. Championing ESG is a collective responsibility that transcends any single department. It mandates a company-wide commitment. MA represents an essential pivot point in catalyzing the integration of ESG principles within industry, contributing to a healthcare ecosystem that is not merely more sustainable and ethical but also more conducive to patient health and public well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabor Hutas
- Astellas Pharma Australia Pty Ltd., Sydney, NSW, Australia
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9
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Liu D, Wang S, Zhao X, Wang J. China's carbon emissions peaking pathway in the post-COVID-19 era. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:100959-100978. [PMID: 37642908 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29400-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Several countries have weakened the carbon emission objectives to immediately revive the economy in the post-COVID-19 era. Therefore, it is a challenge worth addressing to readjust the economic development and carbon emissions after the COVID-19 pandemic. From the perspective of China's carbon emissions, this study shapes a multi-objective dynamic optimization model based on the material capital input and R&D support aspects. The proposed model imitates China's economic development, energy consumption, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The model provides theoretical suggestion for the government to revive economic development and reduce carbon emissions. In addition, this research paper compares the evolutionary path of carbon peak under the two scenarios. The first scenario requires maintaining the pre-epidemic development state and pace of carbon emission reduction, referred to as the baseline scenario (BS). The second scenario is termed the optimal scenario (OS) based on the model calculation. The study findings exhibit that China is not able to accomplish the 2030 CO2 emission peak objective, under the BS. However, China under the OS shall expectedly accomplish the 2030 carbon peak objective ahead of schedule, while the peak CO2 emissions shall be around 11.28 billion tons. Reportedly, at least 788 million tons of CO2 reduction contrasted with the BS. Furthermore, there is an 80.35% decline in energy intensity as compared to 2005. Consequently, the study results contribute theoretical guidance for the "green recovery" of China's economy and the adjustment of carbon emission reduction's path after the COVID-19 epidemic. Consistent with this, the research method also contributes to the theoretical research on carbon emissions at the national level while extending a new research perspective for the economic and environmental fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Liu
- School of Economics and Management, North China Electric Power University, Changping, Beijing, 102206, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Energy and Low-Carbon Development, North China Electric Power University), Changping, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Shengyan Wang
- School of Economics and Management, North China Electric Power University, Changping, Beijing, 102206, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Energy and Low-Carbon Development, North China Electric Power University), Changping, Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Xudong Zhao
- School of Economics and Management, North China Electric Power University, Changping, Beijing, 102206, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Energy and Low-Carbon Development, North China Electric Power University), Changping, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Jiaying Wang
- School of Economics and Management, North China Electric Power University, Changping, Beijing, 102206, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Energy and Low-Carbon Development, North China Electric Power University), Changping, Beijing, 102206, China
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10
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Leal Filho W, Ribeiro PCC, Setti AFF, Azam FMS, Abubakar IR, Castillo-Apraiz J, Tamayo U, Özuyar PG, Frizzo K, Borsari B. Toward food waste reduction at universities. Environ Dev Sustain 2023:1-22. [PMID: 37362965 PMCID: PMC10163564 DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-03300-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Food waste is a serious problem, which undermines the achievement of many sustainable development goals (SDGs), despite their consideration in the agendas of many countries and companies. Notoriously, food waste (FW) causes different kinds of pollution that affect public health and social justice, while contributing to economic losses. This waste phenomenon has causes, drivers, and impacts that require rigorous assessments and effective approaches to mitigate its noxious effects, which are a serious concern for universities. Within these institutions, reducing food waste becomes a circular economy strategy, which is being utilized to assist in promoting sustainable development. However, there is a need for urgent attention to the specific causes of food waste and for consistent actions to reduce it, while boosting awareness in the campus community and triggering a change in students' eating habits. The purpose of this study is to analyze what can be done to reduce the levels of food waste at universities. To achieve this, a review of the theme's state of the art, which is inclusive of an overview of food waste production at universities around the world, is presented. The study employed a qualitative methodology where a comprehensive review of the literature and case studies analyses from selected world regions were considered. The data indicate that a broad variance exists in producing food waste among universities, from 0.12 to 50 kg/capita/day. More factors influence the problem (e.g., gender, age, season, consumer behavior), as well as strategies to solve and prevent it (e.g., composting, recycling, new designs of packages, trayless meals, education), and benefits leading toward food waste reductions from 13 to 50%. Also, four priority actions were identified to reduce food waste at universities, and these consist of planning and awareness, food preparation and storage, services, and direct waste reuse. With appropriate adaptations, these recommended actions should be deployed as means for reducing food waste at universities around the world, while expanding learning and education in sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Leal Filho
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester, M1 5GD UK
- Research and Transfer Centre “Sustainable Development and Climate Change Management”, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Priscilla Cristina Cabral Ribeiro
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Fluminense Federal University, Passo da Pátria Street, 156, Room 306, São Domingos. Zipcode 24210-240, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Andréia Faraoni Freitas Setti
- Department of Biology and CESAM Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Fardous Mohammad Safiul Azam
- College of Life Science, Neijiang Normal University, Dongtong Road, Dongxing District, Neijiang, Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Ismaila Rimi Abubakar
- College of Architecture and Planning, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (Formerly, University of Dammam), PO Box 1982, Dammam, 31441 Saudi Arabia
| | - Julen Castillo-Apraiz
- Department of Financial Economic II, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Unai Tamayo
- Department of Financial Economic II, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Pinar Gokcin Özuyar
- Department of Business Administration, Bahçeşehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kamila Frizzo
- Department of Administrative Sciences (DCA), Graduate Program in Business Administration, Federal University of Santa Maria, Avenida Roraima, Santa Maria, RS 1000, 74C Brazil
| | - Bruno Borsari
- Department of Biology, Winona State University, Winona, MN 55987 USA
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11
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Matandirotya NR, Filho WL, Mahed G, Maseko B, Murandu CV. Edible Insects Consumption in Africa towards Environmental Health and Sustainable Food Systems: A Bibliometric Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:14823. [PMID: 36429542 PMCID: PMC9690926 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Africa is home to an estimated wild edible insect population of 1000 species that offer an opportunity for sustainable food systems while also improving food and nutrition security on the continent. Edible insect consumption has been part of African communities for a long time and forms part of their diets and cuisines, particularly within low-income households with limited resources. The purpose of our study was to investigate and review the contribution that edible insects can make towards the realisation of sustainable food systems, and environmental/planetary health including the fulfilment of Sustainable Development Goal number 2 (zero hunger). Our study applied a bibliometric analysis approach using VOS Viewer, a data mining software. The study established that the consumption of edible insects is still widespread across many African countries and therefore can be used as an avenue for improving environmental health and enhancing food systems on the continent through a reduction in meat-based diets. This, in the long term, will also reduce the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane from livestock production-related activities. Edible insects are also known to contain a high percentage nutrient content of proteins, fats and iron and, thus, can also play a vital role in reducing food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly within low-income households. Due to the existence of a high number of edible insect species on the continent, communities in Africa can easily access sources that can further be preserved using various indigenous techniques while also having minimal impact on the environment. In addition, being a source of nutritious food, edible insects can also be a source of establishing sustainable livelihoods, as well as being able to be commercialised, thus further creating employment opportunities and economic growth. Some of the notable edible insects in abundance on the continent include termites, ants, crickets and caterpillars. Our study recommends that Africa should commercialise edible insect production, in addition to preservation processing that leads to the eradication of perennial food insecurity and malnutrition and improves environmental health, as well as developing sustainable food systems. We also further recommend the establishment of food safety guidelines on edible insects as most African countries do not have such a plan in place currently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Newton R. Matandirotya
- Department of Geosciences, Faculty of Science, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa
- Centre for Climate Change Adaptation & Resilience, Kgotso Development Trust, Beitbridge P.O. Box 5, Zimbabwe
| | - Walter Leal Filho
- Research and Transfer Centre “Sustainable Development and Climate Change Management”, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Ulmenliet 20, D-21033 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Gaathier Mahed
- Department of Geosciences, Faculty of Science, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa
| | - Basil Maseko
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Midlands State University, Gweru Private Bag 9055, Zimbabwe
| | - Cleophas V. Murandu
- National Anglican Theological College of Zimbabwe, 11 Thornburg Avenue, Mount Pleasant, Harare Private Bag 2503, Zimbabwe
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