Co-benefits of a flexitarian diet for air quality and human health in Europe

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2021.107232
• Publication Date: 2021-09-27T17:26:54Z
• Authors: Mihaly Himics; Elias Giannakis; Jonilda Kushta; Jordan Hristov; Amarendra Sahoo; Ignacio Perez-Dom...
• Keywords: Action plan

Agriculture is a major source of air pollution in Europe, with adverse impacts on human health. Having recognized the serious health outcomes, and direct response to public demand for cleaner environment, European policies are aiming reduce pollution. This study proposes shift more plant-based diets help achieve bold reduction targets from agriculture. To assess potential agricultural pollution, we combine large-scale partial equilibrium model agriculture (CAPRI) an atmospheric chemistry (WRF-Chem). The improved quality summarized as premature mortality rates, which estimated simulated changes annual mean PM2.5 concentrations. We find that (flexitarian) would ammonia emissions by 33% Union (EU), generating significant co-benefits economic benefits also largely mitigate losses sector (39% EU 49% Europe whole). Our results suggest that, shifting diets, could significantly contribute Zero Pollution Action Plan.