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Junk Food and Climate Change - Unlikely Enemies? |
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by Adam Zhou | 25-10-2016 22:36 0 |
Junk food is an inevitable part of our lives, whether it be seeing the blazing harsh advertisements in dozens of chain branches, or actually eating them ourselves. We?re told of the health negative consequences it brings, but in reality, there?s much more to it than personal impacts. It?s also the surrounding environment we live in. Experts who conducted this study of the relation between junk food and environmental hazards have found that a staggering statistic of 33-39% of water, energy usage as well as greenhouse gas emissions are constituted of the food. People must also note that the production of food is not only the main aspect, but it is also the care for the animals by providing them with food and water for survival. This is extremely worrying, considering that in current 21st century world events, there is already sufficient over-exploitation of natural resources. As a matter of fact two thirds of the world?s resources are no longer available to us because of man made innovations. That includes fast food itself, and as taste trumps well being in the culinary world, more of such demand is not a good sign as of now. Why do junk food have the most critical impact to the environment in our daily lives however? For clarification purposes, its definition is ?foods which have low nutritional value but are high in saturated fats, sugars, and salts which may harm the body.? One reason is that of its popularity. It?s packaging (mainly plastic which is unsustainable) or other modes of preparation are easy to access and its flavorings as stated in the aforementioned are appealing to the tastes. Another reason is that of the manufacturing process. Research is currently being conducted to find the relation between junk food to more energy which it does show, and this may even apply to land and water consumption as well. Similarly, more agricultural production is needed to process down nutrients leading to environmental consequences. Governmental organizations, realizing such concerns, are analyzing and enforcing implementations to mitigate such issues. One example is that of Australia?s Guide to Healthy Eating, where in which national recommendations in the form of advertisements and campaigning emphasized the need to consume more grains, vegetables, and fruits, while less of meat, fish and dairy products. Reports by Sweden officials have taken note on statistical crises to evaluate their situation while creating brochures in the same process while scholars in Brazil and the Netherlands have undertaken research papers for publication purposes. On another note, food subsidies and taxes, as well as labels are placed where appropriate. Images Cited: "Obesity Isn't Caused By Junk Food, According To Cornell University Researchers." The Surge. N.p., 11 Nov. 2015. Web. 25 Oct. 2016. <http://thesurge.com/stories/obesity-isnt-caused-by-junk-food-according-to-cornell-researchers>. "Stop Giving Me The Notion Of Food, Give Me Food!" Discussing the World. N.p., 10 Dec. 2011. Web. 25 Oct. 2016. <https://pensci.wordpress.com/2011/12/10/stop-giving-me-the-notion-of-food-give-me-food/>.
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25 Comments
good report
Posted 07-02-2018 22:46
thanks for sharing
Posted 07-02-2018 22:43
Though complete avoidance of junk food may not be possible but seeing its impact it should be reduced.
Posted 15-11-2016 14:21
I always tell myself that starting from tomorrow I'm not going to eat junk food anymore.
But, like always, I can't resist it! However, this gave me an extra reason not to consume junk food. Thanks for sharing.
Posted 08-11-2016 13:30
I've never heard of such concern so what I am really curious now is there have been any statistical analysis that have proven the positive correlation between the junk foods and environmental pollution? Anyway, thank you very much for letting us know.
Posted 04-11-2016 18:34
Its difficult for me to change my food obsession. But if i want to see my grandchild, of course change in behavior is equally important like any other innovation or leading solution. Thanks for compiling such a magnanimous report dear ambassador.
Posted 04-11-2016 15:52
It's really hard to change the diet. Like many others, I love fastfood as well. I know because of steep increase of meat consumption, woods are burned to raise cattle, but it's just hard to change the habit! Including me as well. Thanks for posting
Posted 01-11-2016 14:03
Romansheeka, that's great to hear! It's great to know that awareness campaigning in the form of an article can influence such action and also that you enjoyed reading! Thank you!
Posted 28-10-2016 21:28
i was reading this article having chips.....haha.....after reading this article I will try tocut down some junk foods from my diet....thank u adam for ur extraordinary article...
Posted 28-10-2016 21:08
Minjoo, indeed! Individual mindsets and goals of the smallest scales can ultimately achieve such desired results. Thanks for your insight!
Posted 28-10-2016 21:02
Thanks for sharing, Adam! I love junk food, though I am always reminded it is not good for our health. By changing our diet and ultimately our consuming patterns, I agree we can contribute to sustainable development. Have a great day: )
Posted 28-10-2016 19:26
Saymore, thank you! Economics and the environment are definitely related even though in many instances, people choose one over the other for personal/societal benefits.
Posted 28-10-2016 18:47
Yvonne, Bornaventure, thank you guys!
Posted 28-10-2016 18:47
Great Report, interesting highlights on the climate change economics of junk food
Posted 28-10-2016 13:06
This has been an interesting read.
Posted 27-10-2016 22:23
Interesting!!
Posted 27-10-2016 20:47
Arushi, definitely! This can apply under any circumstance in our daily lives whether it be the topic mentioned in the article to transportation. Thanks for your insight!
Posted 27-10-2016 10:15
Thanks Joshua! Hope that you learned something new
Posted 27-10-2016 10:12
Thanks for raising a different issue. It's right that by controlling our consuming habits we can do a lot towards fighting climate change.
Posted 27-10-2016 02:49
Oh, great to read this article. Very interesting
Posted 27-10-2016 00:51
Waleed, Peter, glad you liked reading it!
Posted 26-10-2016 14:22
Oh wow Xilola, Uzbekistan is a lot different compared to other parts of the world and frankly, it's for the better of the people and the planet. Thanks for your thoughts!
Posted 26-10-2016 14:22
Good topic I like it
Posted 26-10-2016 08:28
Interesting topic thanks for sharing
Posted 26-10-2016 05:39
I love junk food, but we dont have much in Uzbekistan. Even if we do, its too expensive for many families so they cant afford it. I guess you should eat junk food, but there must be a limit. Thanks for sharing
Posted 26-10-2016 02:19