Diet & Weight Magazine

Is Climate Change Leading to a “Great Nutrient Collapse”, and Turning Plants Into Junk Food?

By Dietdoctor @DietDoctor1
Is Climate Change Leading to a “Great Nutrient Collapse”, and Turning Plants Into Junk Food?

Could climate change and global warming be contributing to the obesity epidemic?

It sounds completely crazy, until you read the science. Then, suddenly, it starts making sense. At least it's an intriguing possibility.

Increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere might "turn plants into junk food". This by making them grow faster and end up more rich in carbs, but lacking in nutrients like minerals or protein. More sugar, less nutrients. Like junk food.

It actually sounds plausible, once you stop to think about it:

Every leaf and every grass blade on earth makes more and more sugars as CO2 levels keep rising. We are witnessing the greatest injection of carbohydrates into the biosphere in human history - [an] injection that dilutes other nutrients in our food supply.
- Dr. Irakli Loladze

Politico: The great nutrient collapse

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