The great nutrient collapse

9/17/2017

This article discusses a study that suggests rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are reducing the nutrient content of certain food crops. The study found that increased CO2 levels lead to a decline in key nutrients such as iron, zinc, and protein in staple crops like wheat, rice, and soybeans. The article explains that this phenomenon occurs because plants use carbon dioxide to fuel their growth, diverting resources away from nutrient production. The implications of this decline in nutrient content are significant, as it can negatively impact global food security and human health, particularly in regions that heavily rely on these crops for sustenance.

food production ꞏ carbon dioxide levels ꞏ nutrition quality ꞏ climate change ꞏ agriculture ꞏ environmental impact ꞏ greenhouse gas emissions ꞏ food supply ꞏ plant physiology ꞏ crop yield ꞏ nutrient density ꞏ food security ꞏ global warming ꞏ carbon footprint ꞏ sustainable farming ꞏ agricultural practices ꞏ nutrient deficiencies ꞏ food system ꞏ food sustainability ꞏ food consumption ꞏ atmospheric chemistry ꞏ soil health ꞏ plant growth ꞏ carbon cycle ꞏ plant nutrition ꞏ food policy ꞏ sustainable agriculture ꞏ soil fertility ꞏ climate science ꞏ carbon emissions ꞏ food industry ꞏ nutrient content ꞏ diet quality ꞏ food choices ꞏ atmospheric co2 ꞏ food education ꞏ public health ꞏ food science ꞏ climate impact ꞏ fertilizers ꞏ carbon sequestration ꞏ plant biology ꞏ food-related emissions ꞏ soil management ꞏ agricultural technology ꞏ food waste ꞏ climate policy ꞏ sustainable food production ꞏ nutrient absorption ꞏ carbon dioxide fertilization