In the quest for sustainable living, one of the most significant battles is being waged on our plates. A recent study published in Environmental Research on Food Systems has shed light on the environmental impact of Swedish adolescents’ diets, offering insights that could reshape how we think about food consumption and its broader implications, including for the energy sector.
The research, led by Anna Karin Lindroos from the Swedish Food Agency and the University of Gothenburg, quantified the environmental footprint of diets among Swedish adolescents using eight key indicators. These included carbon footprint, cropland use, nitrogen and phosphorus inputs, blue water use, pesticide use, biodiversity impact, and ammonia emissions. The findings, drawn from the national dietary survey Riksmaten Adolescents 2016–17, reveal stark differences in environmental impact based on age and sex, with potential ripple effects across various industries, including energy.
One of the most striking findings is that the carbon footprint, nitrogen and phosphorus inputs, and biodiversity impacts of adolescents’ diets often exceed global planetary boundaries, even among those with the lowest environmental impact. “This indicates that even the most environmentally conscious adolescents are still contributing to significant environmental degradation,” Lindroos explained. This is a critical insight for the energy sector, which is increasingly looking to reduce its carbon footprint and align with sustainable practices.
The study also highlights that males generally have a higher environmental impact than females, with the oldest males showing the highest impacts. When standardized for energy intake, indicators dominated by red meat and dairy—such as carbon footprint, cropland use, nitrogen input, and ammonia emissions—remained higher in males. Conversely, indicators influenced by plant-based foods and discretionary foods, like blue water and pesticide use, were higher in females. This gender disparity could influence targeted interventions and policies aimed at promoting sustainable dietary patterns.
For the energy sector, understanding these dietary patterns is crucial. The production and distribution of food account for a significant portion of global energy consumption. By promoting more sustainable diets, especially among adolescents who are forming lifelong habits, the energy sector can reduce its carbon emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future. “Including multiple environmental indicators is essential to capture the diverse impacts of food consumption,” Lindroos noted. This holistic approach could inform policies and commercial strategies that prioritize sustainability across the food-energy nexus.
The research also underscores the importance of age-specific interventions. The oldest female group, for instance, showed that beverages contributed to nearly 40% of the biodiversity impact. This could lead to targeted campaigns encouraging healthier, more sustainable beverage choices among older adolescents.
As we move forward, this study serves as a call to action for policymakers, educators, and industry leaders. By understanding and addressing the environmental impacts of adolescent diets, we can pave the way for a more sustainable future. The energy sector, in particular, has a significant role to play in supporting these changes, from reducing the energy intensity of food production to promoting renewable energy sources.
The findings from this study, published in Environmental Research on Food Systems, offer a roadmap for creating more sustainable dietary patterns. By embracing these insights, we can work towards a future where our food choices support both human health and environmental sustainability. This research is a stepping stone towards a more integrated approach to sustainability, where the energy sector and food systems work in tandem to create a greener, more resilient world.