UN: World's Broken Food System Costs $12.7 Trillion Per Year, Revealing Massive Hidden Health and Environmental Damages
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The UN estimates the world's broken food system costs $12.7 trillion per year, about 10% of global GDP. This accounts for hidden costs to health, society, and the environment.
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73% of the costs are health-related, from diseases caused by poor diets like obesity and diabetes. Over 20% of costs are environmental.
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In low-income countries, hidden food costs average 27% of GDP due to poverty and lack of food. In high-income countries it's just 8%.
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Trade-offs exist between countries. For example, Europe restricting fertilizer could increase food imports and deforestation in Brazil.
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Governments must balance food production, environmental protection, and healthier diets. In the West, reducing meat intake could bring major benefits.