Reducing sugar consumption could help fight climate change and promote sustainability, according to a new study. The study by the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (ICTA-UAB) revealed the potential for climate and sustainability by reducing sugar consumption. The study found that reducing sugar consumption by redirecting land used for sugar to alternative sources could be hugely beneficial to the environment.
The studypublished in the journal Natural durabilityhighlights how adapting a sugar tax could help the environment and public health, as sugar is one of the worst foods to eat.
Source: Hashem Al-Ghaili/Youtube
The authors looked at three scenarios for how to redirect existing sugar cropland to other uses.
- The EU is reforesting its existing sugar lands.
- The EU is switching from growing sugar beets to producing ethanol.
- The EU is exporting its surplus sugar production while Brazil is switching its sugarcane crops to ethanol production.
The study calculated that emissions could drop from 20.9 to 54.3 MtCO2e per year in the first scenario. They found that these savings would double in the second scenario and quadruple in the third scenario. Therefore, they found that an agreement between the EU and Brazil for the EU to focus on the production of sugar from sugar beets and for Brazil to produce ethanol from sugar cane would the most advantageous.
Sugar taxation will be the most effective tool to reduce sugar consumption. This will not only be good for the environment but also for public health. Reports have shown that processed foods and sugar lead to malnutrition and obesity. Check out these recipes to help curb your sugar cravings with these naturally sweet foods!
New Jersey Senator Cory Booker is challenging Americans to join him in a sugar-free challenge for the next three months.
“We are becoming a poorer nation by paying twice: we pay our taxes to make sugary and ultra-processed foods cheaper than healthier options, and then we pay again for the health costs these foods can incur,” said Booker said.
Thousands of people have already signed up for the challenge. Check Cory Booker website to register and learn more about the challenge, news and updates, and share your own story and journey!
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