THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF FOOD - BY MISHKWAATH

I am Mishkwaath a nutritionist at The Kenko Life.

Climate change is often discussed in terms of rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and melting glaciers but what about the food on our plates? 

While it's widely known that climate change threatens global food security, fewer people are aware of how it also affects the nutritional quality of the food we eat. In other words, climate change isn't just shrinking crop yields, it's also making our food less nutritious.

One of the key ways this happens is through elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere. While plants need CO₂ to grow, excessive concentrations can actually dilute the nutritional content of crops. Studies have shown that staple crops like wheat, rice, and soybeans grown in high-CO₂ environments contain lower levels of protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins. This is particularly concerning in regions where these staples are major dietary sources of these nutrients.

Rising temperatures also impact the nutritional quality of food. Heat stress can alter how plants photosynthesize and metabolize nutrients, sometimes leading to reduced levels of essential minerals and antioxidants. In some fruits and vegetables, heat may also accelerate ripening, which can compromise flavor and shorten shelf life reducing both palatability and access to nutritious food.

Water scarcity, another result of climate change, can further degrade crop quality. Drought conditions often force plants into survival mode, producing smaller yields and limiting nutrient uptake from the soil. Inconsistent rainfall and more frequent extreme weather events like floods and storms can also damage crops before harvest, leading to nutrient loss and food spoilage.

Climate change also affects the micronutrient density of food through its impact on soil health. Degraded soils, often caused by heavy rains or poor land management, hold fewer nutrients to begin with. As soil becomes less fertile, crops grown in it contain fewer vitamins and minerals, contributing to a decline in overall food quality. Without interventions such as crop rotation, composting, and regenerative agriculture, this downward spiral in soil and food quality may worsen.

These changes don’t just affect plant-based foods. Livestock nutrition is also at risk. When pastures become less nutritious or are depleted due to drought, the animals that feed on them produce lower-quality meat, milk, and eggs. Feed shortages can also lead to increased use of processed feed, which may reduce the natural nutrient content of animal-based foods.

For humans, especially those in low-income or food-insecure regions, the nutritional implications of climate change are significant. The populations most dependent on a few staple crops such as rice or maize are at highest risk of nutrient deficiencies. Children, pregnant women, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the effects of reduced dietary quality.

The good news is that solutions exist. Investing in climate-resilient crops, promoting diversified diets, improving agricultural practices, and reducing food waste are all steps that can help protect both food supply and quality. Supporting local and regenerative farming also plays a role in preserving soil health and nutrient density. At a policy level, addressing the root causes of climate change including fossil fuel use and deforestation is essential for protecting the global food system.

As climate change continues to reshape our world, it’s no longer just about having enough food, it’s about having food that actually nourishes us. Understanding and addressing the link between climate change and nutrition is critical not only for our health today but for the wellbeing of future generations.

At Kenko Life, you can choose a variety of healthy meal options for your daily dose of nutrition. Call at – +91 901906245