THE IMPACTS OF CHANGING CURRENT DIET ON GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS IN URMIA CITY, NORTH WEST OF IRAN: SUGGESTING A SUSTAINABLE DIETARY SCENARIO

Background and Aim: High emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) like carbon dioxide has environmental effects and food production is an important source of GHGs. The purpose of this study is to suggest dietary scenarios to reduce GHG emissions. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, GHG emissions are caused by a typical diet in target population of Urmia city, northwest of Iran was calculated via data which is collected by using a validated food frequency questionnaire and carbon footprint. By considering usual energy intake, adherence to dietary pattern and Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), three different scenarios were investigated and analyzed in order to decrease GHG emission.Results: Carbon dioxide emission of a typical 2920.17 Kcal based diet was 4072.10 gr CO2. In the first scenario, the energy content was equal with the real model, in the second scenario, the energy was equal to the real model and share of each food group was in accordance with the food pyramid, there was about 72% and 55.67% reduction in CO2 production rather than the usual diet, respectively. In the final scenario that was completely in accordance with the food pyramid and RDA, the CO2 emission was less than half of the usual diet. Conclusion: The study shows that a healthy diet with the greater proportion of vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts and dairy, on the other way the lower share of red & white meat, eggs, grains, fats, oils and sweets while can supply all recommended dietary allowances, which could reduce CO2 emissions.

کلیدواژه ها:

Greenhouse gas emissions ، Dietary scenarios ، Sustainable diet ، Carbon footprint ، Urmia ، Iran