The Reciprocal Relationship between Climate and Environmental Changes and Food Systems and Its Impact on Food/Nutrition Security and Health

Abstract

Changes in our climate and physical environments are having profound effects on all aspects of human existence, and the ability to develop sustainable and resilient food systems is critical not just to the environment but to all aspects of human health. The Pediatric Growth and Nutrition Branch (PGNB) of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development of the US National Institutes of Health has adopted a new paradigm to undergird the study of nutrition that recognizes the complex and reciprocal nature of the relationships between nutrition and health outcomes. This conceptual framework, termed the “nutritional ecology,” views humans as complex biological systems interacting with both their internal and external environments. Herein, we focus on: (i) the reciprocal relationship between climate and environmental changes and food systems and their impact on food/nutrition security and health; and (ii) how PGNB is utilizing the “nutritional ecology” framework to support science addressing the interactions among health, nutrition, food systems, climate, and the environment.

Longitudinal Associations of Food Security with Health and Dietary Factors among Food FARMacy Participants during COVID-19 in New York City

“…However, longerterm cross-sector investments are needed to reduce poverty, holistically address social needs, provide equitable education and employment opportunities, and strengthen food systems to meet goals set forth by the White House to end hunger and improve nutrition and health equity [41]. As climate change, inflation, and disruptions to food supply chains are likely to present future shocks and stressors to food systems [43], understanding clinicalcommunity interventions to improve food security and nutrition during the COVID-19 pandemic will help inform food system responses to future emergencies.…”

Integrating climate change, food safety, nutrition, and health outcomes in food systems policies and programs in Africa

“…These food security challenges can lead to malnutrition (Owino et al, 2022), particularly among the vulnerable (Fanzo et al, 2018;FAO, 2020) including children and pregnant women, resulting in long-term health problems such as stunted growth and developmental issues like mental health. Moreover, extreme weather events can lead to injuries and the spread of infectious diseases (Bremer & Raiten, 2023), further jeopardizing public health.…”

“…Poor nutrition and health can reduce individuals' resilience to the impacts of climate change, making them more vulnerable to extreme weather events and food shortages. For instance, individuals who are already malnourished (Owino et al, 2022) or have compromised immune systems are more susceptible to diseases (Bremer & Raiten, 2023) and injuries resulting from extreme weather events. On the other hand, addressing health and nutrition issues can have indirect climate benefits (Owino et al, 2022).…”

“…This disruption can compromise food safety by introducing contaminants and impeding proper food handling (Osabuohien et al, 2023). Furthermore, climate change can affect the distribution of vectors responsible for diseases like malaria (Bremer & Raiten, 2023) indirectly affecting food safety. These impacts on food safety have significant public health and economic consequences.…”