Dutch dietary patterns are high in animal-based foods, contributing to non-communicable diseases and environmental pressures, but may vary across generations due to social and cultural factors. Therefore, this cross-sectional analysis examines generational differences in diet quality and environmental impacts among 2348 adults from the Doetinchem Cohort Study (2018–2023). Diet quality was assessed with the Dutch Healthy Diet (DHD15) index and the animal-to-plant protein ratio, and life-cycle analysis linked foods to greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) and blue water consumption. Analyses were stratified by generation (Generation X, Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation) and sex and adjusted for relevant confounders. Adjusted mean DHD15-index scores were higher in older female generations, ranging from 81 to 84 (P-trend = 0·06). Generation X males obtained a larger share of protein from plant sources than older generations (+4 % in Generation X, P-trend = 0·02). Absolute GHGE were lower in older generations (males: −18 % in the Silent Generation, P < 0·001; females: −11 %, P = 0·005), with differences attenuating per 1000 kcal among males. Older generations also had lower absolute blue water consumption among males (–11 % in the Silent Generation, P = 0·05), with differences attenuating per 4184 kJ (1000 kcal). Generation X had higher impacts from certain meats, processed foods and rice, whereas older generations had relatively higher impacts from dairy products, tea and fruit. These modest generational differences suggest that generation-specific dietary strategies could support healthier and more sustainable diets.

The political consequences of climate change have been topics at numerous political science conferences. Contrary to the plurality of discussions at these meetings, it is striking that there is no systematic account of the carbon footprint of political science conferences themselves. Applying a GIS-based approach I estimate the travel induced greenhouse gas emissions of the last six ECPR General Conferences (2013–18). The results show that for the five conferences that took part in Europe the average emissions per attendee were between 0.5–1.3 tons CO2-equivalents. At the 2015 conference in Montreal it were even 1.9–3.4 tons. Compared to estimations based on the latest IPCC reports which call for a reduction of per capita emissions to 2.5 tons by 2030 and even 0.7 tons by 2050 in order to keep on track with the 1.5-degree goal, the travel induced GHG-emissions of ECPR conferences are very high. Yet, further estimations demonstrate that significant emission reductions are possible: by choosing more central conference venues, promoting low-emission landbound means of transportation and introducing online participation for researchers from far away, the carbon footprint could be reduced by 75–90 per cent. The article also gives concrete recommendations how the carbon footprint of conferences could be reduced.

Sustainable diets can improve environmental health by supporting food security and promoting healthy living for future generations. This study aimed to assess changes over time in the consumption of foods within the national diet and diet-related environmental indicators, specifically greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) and water footprint (WF). Individual food consumption was assessed using 24-hour dietary recalls from the Türkiye Nutrition and Health Surveys (TNHS) conducted in 2010 and 2017. GHGE and WF were calculated based on these dietary data. According to the TNHS 2010 and 2017, GHGE increased by 16·1 %, total WF by 17 %, green WF by 19·3 %, blue WF by 9·4 % and grey WF by 10·9 % (p < 0·001). During the same period, the consumption of red meats (by 72 %), eggs (by 42·5 %) and fats (by 53·6 %) increased significantly (p < 0·001). Conversely, the most notable decrease in consumption was observed for fresh vegetables and fruits, which declined by 17·5 % and 6·9 %, respectively (p < 0·001). In 2010 and 2017, red meats (GHGE: +29·8 %; total WF: +23·6 %) and fats (GHGE: +14·3 %; total WF: +13·6 %) were the foods that increased their contribution to GHGE and total WF the most. Although the GHGE and total WF values of Türkiye’s national diet remain below the global average, both indicators increased in 2017 compared to 2010. Despite the rising consumption of animal-based foods in recent years, the predominance of cereals in the national diet has played a key role in keeping GHGE and total WF below the global average.

Ultra-processed foods (UPF) are often energy dense and low in nutrients. High consumption of UPF has been associated with non-communicable diseases, premature mortality and environmental impacts. The objective of this study was to assess UPF consumption in relation to diet quality and associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, previously not examined in Iceland. Data from the Icelandic National Dietary Survey (2019–2021, n 822) were utilised. The NOVA classification system was used classifying all food and drinks reported. Dietary GHG emissions were quantified using an open-source life cycle assessment database. On average, 45 %±15 of the total calories consumed daily were derived from UPF, ranging from 24 % in the lowest quartile (UPFQ1) to 64 % in the highest quartile (UPFQ4). The energy contribution of UPF considered to fall within the Icelandic dietary guidelines was 4 %±4. UPFQ4 had significantly lower consumption of, e.g. red meat, fruits, vegetables and whole grains and higher consumption of, e.g. refined grains, sweets and soft drinks, compared with UPFQ1. UPFQ4 had a significantly higher energy intake, added sugar intake and lower intake of, e.g. proteins and iodine. The median (interquartile range (IQR)) share of dietary GHG emissions was 21 % (IQR: 11–34) of total kg CO2-eq/d, while significantly lower in UPFQ4 compared with UPFQ1. Almost half of the daily energy intake of Icelandic diets was derived from UPF, reflecting relatively poor diet quality. However, dietary GHG emissions were relatively low in high consumers of UPF, reflecting higher meat consumption in low consumers of UPF. Findings underline the urgency of policy implementation, aligning food consumption with dietary guidelines.

Agriculture is a major contributor to climate change, and there is an urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agriculture for mitigation purposes. Modern industrial agriculture has been recognized as a significant source of agricultural GHG emissions, whereas the adoption of regenerative organic agriculture has been proposed as a solution with the potential to reduce GHG emissions from agricultural production. However, there is a lack of on-the-ground studies reporting on the climate impacts of organic agriculture. To remedy this, a carbon footprint (CF) analysis was conducted comparing regionally representative organic and conventional arable cropping systems at Rodale Institute’s Farming Systems Trial in Pennsylvania, USA. Two separate modeling approaches were used to construct CFs for three agricultural systems (two organic and one conventional). The baseline CF analyses used an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Tier 3 model (COMET-Farm) and Tier 2 model (Cool Farm Tool) for comparison purposes. Secondary analyses were conducted on the effects of CO2 emissions from composting manure on CFs. Emission metrics were generally higher (+27%) using the Tier 3 model compared with the Tier 2 model. In the baseline analysis, absolute area-scaled emissions were highest in the conventional system, ranging from 1.25 to 1.72 tons CO2-eq ha−1 yr−1. In comparison, emissions in the organic manure-based system were 25%–37% lower (0.94–1.09 tons CO2-eq ha−1 yr−1), while the organic legume-based system had the lowest emissions, which were 52%–74% lower (0.33–0.83 tons CO2-eq ha−1 yr−1). Yield-scaled emissions of maize in the baseline analyses were highest in the conventional system (0.19–0.26 kg CO2-eq kg−1), followed by the organic manure (0.13–0.16 kg CO2-eq kg−1) and organic legume (0.07–0.17 kg CO2-eq kg−1). Yield-scaled emissions on a feed digestible energy basis were highest in the conventional system (0.014–0.020 kg CO2-eq MJ−1) but were similar between organic manure (0.009–0.010 kg CO2-eq MJ−1) and organic legume (0.006–0.015 kg CO2-eq MJ−1). Including estimates of CO2 emissions due to composting increased emissions for the manure-based organic system substantially (+103%–122%). Our results imply that regenerative organic farming can help mitigate climate change. Future research should focus on more accurately measuring emissions from compost production and other sources of organic fertility, conducting a full life-cycle assessment of these systems, and verifying the results using in-situ field measurements.

Modern supply chains are vital to global commerce, but they are also major contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As climate change intensifies, achieving carbon neutrality – particularly through supply chain decarbonisation – has become a global imperative. While organisations have made strides in reducing direct emissions, addressing indirect supply chain emissions presents greater complexity and urgency. We invite academic contributions that examine the challenges, enablers, potential risks, strategic approaches and innovative practices related to decarbonisation across a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, service industries and humanitarian logistics. Emphasis is placed on holistic, multi-stakeholder approaches aligned with the GHG Protocol. The issue welcomes interdisciplinary research employing varied methodologies – ranging from empirical studies to conceptual frameworks – to inform practice, policy and sustainability transitions. By showcasing sector-specific insights and cross-cutting solutions, this issue aims to advance knowledge and action in building low-carbon, resilient supply chains.

The Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 (NNR2023) serve as the scientific foundation for national dietary guidelines and nutrient recommendations across the Nordic and Baltic countries. We reviewed how NNR2023 was adapted into national food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) in the Nordic countries and Estonia, focusing specifically on sustainability considerations and policy implications. National FBDG integrated both health and environmental aspects in all countries, except Norway, which addressed environmental aspects only in a separate report. Health impacts served as the primary principle in all countries. Additionally, national policy perspectives, such as domestic food security, were addressed in some countries, while the integration of social and economic sustainability remained very limited. In adopting NNR2023, all countries modelled how implementation would affect nutrient adequacy or health within their food environments, making minor adjustments based on these findings. Guidelines for animal source food groups showed the most variation between countries; Estonia and Denmark established the strictest recommended limits for red meat and total meat, respectively, while Norway was most liberal regarding milk products. Stakeholders participated in the consultation process. The agricultural sector and meat industry primarily maintained pro-meat discourse, which was particularly intense in Norway and Sweden. Transition towards healthy and sustainable diets demands multiple policy instruments – FBDG being just one – alongside a supportive environment and participation from all food system actors.

This study explored whether lifestyle therapy that promoted adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet as a treatment for depression led to environmental co-benefits. Participants (n 75 complete case) were Australian adults in the Curbing Anxiety and Depression using Lifestyle Medicine non-inferiority, randomised controlled trial, which showed that lifestyle therapy was non-inferior to psychotherapy in reducing depressive symptoms, when delivered in group format via video conferencing over an 8-week treatment period. In this secondary analysis, we hypothesised that the lifestyle arm would be superior to the psychotherapy arm in reducing the environmental impact of self-reported diet over time. Dietary intake derived from FFQ at baseline and 8 weeks was transformed into environmental impact scores by calculating global warming potential (GWP)*. GWP* was calculated for total dietary intake and distinct food groups (Australian Dietary Guidelines and NOVA classifications). Within-arm changes in GWP* over time were calculated using the median difference. Neither arm showed significant changes. Between-arm differences in percentage change in GWP* scores over time were analysed using generalised estimating equations models. No between-arm difference for total GWP* score was found (β = 11·06 (–7·04, 29·15)). When examining distinct food groups, results were mixed. These novel findings contribute to the sparse evidence base that has measured the environmental impact of diets in a clinical trial context. Whilst lifestyle therapy that reduced depressive symptoms did not have clear environmental benefits relative to psychotherapy, nutritional counselling that focuses on the environmental impact of food choices may drive more pronounced planetary co-benefits.

The pursuit of measures to enhance the environmental sustainability of societies has shifted to become a core aspect of contemporary public policy. Taxation measures, intended to alter the behaviour of individuals and households, have become a central plank of many nations’ policy response. However, these initiatives arise alongside other taxation and redistributive policy objectives focused on equity.

The purpose of this article is to explore the taxation policy design challenges raised by attempts to pursue simultaneously environmental goals and traditional social policy objectives regarding social justice in line with sustainable development principles. Focusing on the experience of two liberal political economies with broadly similar tax structures but whose approach to carbon taxation has varied, Ireland and the UK, the article develops a social policy framework, inspired by the energy justice literature, to facilitate a holistic delineation of the social implications of carbon taxation in the two countries.

Environmental impacts of food systems have stimulated research to examine how to create healthy diets that will be more sustainable while meeting nutrient requirements. Increasing compliance with existing food-based dietary guidelines in most jurisdictions could be a first step to improve health and reduce environmental impact. MyPlanetDiet was an all-Ireland 12-week randomised controlled trial designed to inform sustainable healthy dietary guidelines. Healthy adults (n 355) aged 18–64 years with moderate-to-high greenhouse gas emitting (GHGE) diets were recruited from three study sites on the island of Ireland. The aim of this research is to assess the relationship between dietary intakes, diet-related environmental impacts and metabolic health using baseline data collected during the MyPlanetDiet study. Dietary assessments collected using Foodbook24 were used to calculate diet-related GHGE, adherence to healthy eating guidelines (HEG) and healthy eating index (HEI) score. Anthropometrics and metabolic health markers (e.g. lipids, glucose and insulin) were included. Overall HEG adherence was low, with 43 % meeting zero or one HEG food group recommendations. Adherence to 4 + HEG food group targets was associated with 31 % lower diet-related GHGE compared with those with lowest adherence. Higher HEG adherence was associated with lower BMI and waist circumference and higher HEI scores. While our findings suggest HEG adherence is associated with positive health and environmental impacts, substantial behaviour change will be needed to meet existing HEG. Further research is needed to assess response and acceptability to HEG. However, adherence to HEG may be an important first step to reducing the environmental impact of food consumption.

This article analyzes the application of environmental impact assessment as a tool for climate change mitigation from a global comparative perspective. It firstly confirms that, despite persistent resistance in a few jurisdictions, climate effect assessment is now widely applied on a global scale. Yet the article also shows that this practice has faced recurrent practical and conceptual issues, in particular, concerning the determination of the significance of a project’s climate effect and the assessment of indirect effects. Lastly, this article assesses how states have addressed these issues and identifies good practices. In doing so, the article illustrates the potential of functionalist comparative analysis in advancing our understanding of climate law and suggesting policy-relevant conclusions.

Beef has a considerably higher climate impact than meat from monogastric animals and plant-based foods, due to methane emissions from enteric fermentation in ruminants. Animal feed production also contributes considerably to the climate impact, through carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel use and nitrous oxide emissions from soil. Despite this, ruminant animals can still be part of sustainable food systems, as they can produce human-edible food from coarse biomass unsuitable for human consumption (e.g., grass or straw), i.e., acting as ‘upgraders’. Feeding ruminants on coarse biomass also reduces the need for cropland for feed production. Using cereal straw as indoor feed for suckler cows reduces their feed intake in winter, while increasing their intake of biomass on pasture during the grazing season. This study assessed the climate impact of producing 1 kg of beef (carcass weight), and of the farm as a whole, in a Swedish suckler-based system using a mixture of cereal straw and grass-clover silage as winter feed for suckler cows, compared with using only grass-clover silage (reference scenario). The rest of the feed remained unchanged. Replacing part of the grass-clover silage with straw meant that less cropland area was needed to grow feed. Two alternative scenarios for using this spared land were investigated: producing wheat for human consumption (straw-food) and conversion to pasture (straw-pasture). Effects on total food production were also calculated. Using a combination of cereal straw and grass-clover silage as winter feed for suckler cows was found to reduce the climate impact associated with feed production compared with using only grass-clover silage. However, this change in winter feed increased biomass intake on pasture during the grazing season and thus the grazed area, so total climate impact of beef per kg carcass weight, and of the farm as a whole, increased when the demand for more grazing area resulted in deforestation. With no deforestation, the climate impact was comparable to that of beef from suckler cows fed exclusively on grass-clover silage during winter. Therefore, upcycling of straw to meat had no notable effect on the climate impact, indicating that using residues as feed does not always entail a climate benefit. However, increased demand for pasture can have a direct benefit for biodiversity if more biologically rich semi-natural pastures are maintained or restored. Using the land spared through feeding straw instead of grass-clover silage for wheat production increase total food production from the system, with potential indirect climate benefits.