Assessing the carbon footprint of soybean transportation in Brazil: a network equilibrium model approach.

Brazil has historically invested few resources in its transport infrastructure, leaving gaps and reducing its efficiency. The country presents a high dependence on road transport, which results in increased operational costs and higher greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Consequently, the performance of cargo transportation in Brazil has been deteriorating, accompanied by a rise in the consumption of fossil fuels and noteworthy levels of GHG emissions. This article assesses the carbon intensity of soybean transport operations within Brazil. Utilizing a network equilibrium model, this study estimated the soybean transportation flows that minimize the total cost of transporting this product across the origins and destinations within the grain handling system. The modeling also calculated the GHG emissions in transportation. The results show that the transportation of soybeans produced 2.74 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually, with road transport accounting for 81.7% of these emissions. The state of Mato Grosso, responsible for 44.08 kg CO2 equivalent per tonne of soybeans transported, contributed almost 49% of the total emissions due to the extensive distances involved. In contrast, states like Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul, located closer to southern ports, exhibited the lowest emissions, with rates of 11.55 kg CO2 eq/t and 12.52 kg CO2 eq/t, respectively. The analysis highlights the significant potential for reducing GHG emissions by increasing the use of rail and barge transport, particularly in high-emission regions such as Mato Grosso.

Differences in the cost and environmental impact between the current diet in Brazil and healthy and sustainable diets: a modeling study.

BACKGROUND: While healthy and sustainable diets benefit human and planetary health, their monetary cost has a direct impact on consumer food choices. This study aimed to identify the cost and environmental impact of the current Brazilian diet (CBD) and compare it with healthy and sustainable diets. METHODS: Data from the Brazilian Household Budget Survey 2017/18 and the Footprints of Foods and Culinary Preparations Consumed in Brazil database were used for a modeling study comparing the cost of healthy and sustainable diets (based on the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines (BDG) diet and the EAT-Lancet diet) versus the CBD. The DIETCOST program generated multiple food baskets for each scenario (Montecarlo simulations). Nutritional quality, cost, and environmental impact measures (carbon footprint (CF) and water footprint (WF)) were estimated for all diets and compared by ANOVA. Simple linear regressions used standardized environmental impacts measures to estimate differentials in costs and environmental impacts among diets scenarios. RESULTS: We observed significant differences in costs/1000 kcal. The BDG diet was cheaper (BRL$4.9 (95%IC:4.8;4.9) ≈ USD$1.5) than the CBD (BRL$5.6 (95%IC:5.6;5.7) ≈ USD$1.8) and the EAT-Lancet diet (BRL$6.1 (95%IC:6.0;6.1) ≈ USD$1.9). Ultra-processed foods (UPF) and red meat contributed the most to the CBD cost/1000 kcal, while fruits and vegetables made the lowest contribution to CBD. Red meat, sugary drinks, and UPF were the main contributors to the environmental impacts of the CBD. The environmental impact/1000 kcal of the CBD was nearly double (CF:3.1 kg(95%IC: 3.0;3.1); WF:2,705 L 95%IC:2,671;2,739)) the cost of the BDG diet (CF:1.4 kg (95%IC:1.4;1.4); WF:1,542 L (95%IC:1,524;1,561)) and EAT-Lancet diet (CF:1.1 kg (95%IC:1.0;1.1); WF:1,448 L (95%IC:1,428;1,469)). A one standard deviation increase in standardized CF corresponded to an increase of BRL$0.48 in the cost of the CBD, similar to standardized WF (BRL$0.56). A similar relationship between the environmental impact and the cost of the BDG (CF: BRL$0.20; WF: BRL$0.33) and EAT-Lancet (CF: BRL$0.04; WF: BRL$0.18) was found, but with a less pronounced effect. CONCLUSIONS: The BDG diet was cost-effective, while the EAT-Lancet diet was slightly pricier than the CBD. The CBD presented almost double the CF and WF compared to the BDG and EAT-Lancet diets. The lower cost in each diet was associated with lower environmental impact, particularly for the BDG and EAT-Lancet diets. Multisectoral public policies must be applied to guide individuals and societies towards healthier and more sustainable eating patterns.

Environmental Footprints in Food Services: A Scoping Review.

The collective meals market generates significant revenue for the world economy. Food services are responsible for consuming large amounts of water and energy, as well as generating a substantial volume of waste, which is often improperly disposed of. Given the unchecked expansion of food services, the lack of proper management of environmental resources can undermine sustainability principles, posing a threat to future generations. This scoping review aimed to synthesize the existing scientific literature on carbon and water footprints in food services, describing the main methods and tools used and what strategies have been proposed to mitigate the high values of these footprints. The search for articles was performed on 6 June 2024 in seven electronic databases, using MeSH Terms and adaptations for each database from database inception. The search for local studies was complemented by a manual search in the list of references of the studies selected to compose this review. It included quantitative studies assessing footprints (water or carbon) in food services and excluded reviews, studies that reported footprints for diets, and protocols. A total of 2642 studies were identified, and among these, 29 were selected for this review. According to the findings, it was observed that meats, especially beef, contribute more to water and carbon footprint compared to other proteins. Mitigation strategies for the water footprint include promoting plant-based diets, menu changes, and awareness.

Estimating the carbon footprint of Mexican food consumption based on a high-resolution environmentally extended input-output model.

Increased global attention is being paid to the food-health-climate trilemma. In this study, we evaluate the climate impacts of Mexico's food consumption patterns by creating a high-resolution (262 sectors) Environmentally Extended Input-Output (EEIO) model called MXEEIO. We focus on the differences between food away from home (FAFH) and food at home (FAH) and compare Mexico's results with those of the USA. The results show that the main components of food spending in Mexico were meat, baked products, and beverages, raising concerns about their potential negative health effects if consumed excessively. Mexico's total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from food consumption were estimated at 149 million metric tons (MMT) in 2013, as opposed to 797 MMT for the USA. Meat and dairy products were the main contributors to Mexico's food-related GHG emissions, accounting for 57% of total emissions. Mexico spent a much smaller proportion of food-related income on FAFH than the USA (13% vs. 52%), suggesting great potential for growth as Mexico's per capita GDP continues to rise. Detailed contribution analysis shows that reducing Mexico's food-related GHG emissions would benefit most from a transition to low-carbon cattle farming, but mitigation efforts in other sectors such as crop cultivation and electricity generation are also important. Overall, our study underscores the significance of food-related GHG emissions in Mexico, especially those from meat and dairy products, and the mitigation challenges these sectors face.

The environmental impact of beef and ultra-processed food consumption in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the independent and combined environmental impacts of the consumption of beef and ultra-processed foods in Brazil. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: We used food purchases data from a national household budget survey conducted between July 2017 and July 2018, representing all Brazilian households. Food purchases were converted into energy, carbon footprints and water footprints. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess the association between quintiles of beef and ultra-processed foods in total energy purchases and the environmental footprints, controlling for sociodemographic variables. RESULTS: Both beef and ultra-processed foods had a significant linear association with carbon and water footprints (P < 0·01) in crude and adjusted models. In the crude upper quintile of beef purchases, carbon and water footprints were 47·7 % and 30·8 % higher, respectively, compared to the lower quintile. The upper quintile of ultra-processed food purchases showed carbon and water footprints 14·4 % and 22·8 % higher, respectively, than the lower quintile. The greatest reduction in environmental footprints would occur when both beef and ultra-processed food purchases are decreased, resulting in a 21·1 % reduction in carbon footprint and a 20·0 % reduction in water footprint. CONCLUSIONS: Although the environmental footprints associated with beef consumption are higher, dietary patterns with lower consumption of beef and ultra-processed foods combined showed the greatest reduction in carbon and water footprints in Brazil. The high consumption of beef and ultra-processed foods is harmful to human health, as well as to the environment; thus, their reduction is beneficial to both.

Emerging trends of carbon emissions and foreign direct investment: accounting for ecological footprints, renewable energy, globalization, and technological innovations in BRICS.

This paper investigates the intricate interplay between carbon emissions and foreign direct investment within the context of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) for the period spanning 2000 to 2022. In our comprehensive analysis, we incorporate ecological footprint, renewable energy, globalization, and technological innovations as exogenous variables. Employing a system of simultaneous equations across the BRICS panel, we aim to fully elucidate the proposed relationships. Our empirical findings underscore the following key insights: foreign direct investment, technological innovations, and the adoption of renewable energy sources significantly contribute to the mitigation of carbon emissions in these selected nations. However, it is essential to note that ecological footprints exhibit a positive association with carbon emissions, raising concerns on two fronts: escalating environmental degradation and increased land pressure, both of which contribute to rising ecological footprints in BRICS countries. Additionally, our analysis reveals that foreign direct investment is influenced by its capacity to reduce carbon emissions and bolster renewable energy adoption, while globalization amplifies investment trends within the BRICS nations. To address the environmental repercussions of mining activities, it is imperative to implement stringent control and regulation measures, given their potential adverse impacts, including soil pollution, acid mine drainage, erosion, biodiversity loss, excessive water resource consumption, and wastewater disposal challenges. Nevertheless, proactive steps such as recycling mining waste, adopting environmentally friendly mining equipment, combatting illegal mining, and enhancing overall mining sustainability offer promising avenues to mitigate the environmental footprint of mining operations.

Does the frequency of stochastic convergence in per capita ecological footprint matter?

Among the environmental economics research issues, the issue of convergence has received quite a lot of attention, which is also known as stationary analysis. In this research strand, whether shocks to the time series variable are permanent or temporary is tested via the unit root tests. In this study, based on the theory and empirical works of stochastic convergence, we evaluate the convergence for the BASIC member countries, including Brazil, South Africa, India, and China. We use a variety of methodologies to see whether the convergence of ecological footprint holds for these countries or not. We first use the wavelet decomposition technique to decompose the series into the short run, middle run, and long run, and then we run several unit root tests to confirm the stationarity property of the series. The methodologies implemented in this study allow us to apply econometric tests to the original series as well as to the decomposed series. The results of panel CIPS test demonstrate that the null hypothesis of unit root could be rejected for the short run but not for the middle and long run, implying that long-lasting impact might prevail due to any shocks to the ecological footprint in the middle and long run. The results for individual countries varied.

Sustainable-psycho-nutritional intervention programme for a sustainable diet (the 'NutriSOS' study) and its effects on eating behaviour, diet quality, nutritional status, physical activity, metabolic biomarkers, gut microbiota and water and carbon footprints in Mexican population: study protocol of an mHealth randomised controlled trial.

Mexico is going through an environmental and nutritional crisis related to unsustainable dietary behaviours. Sustainable diets could solve both problems together. This study protocol aims to develop a three-stage, 15-week mHealth randomised controlled trial of a sustainable-psycho-nutritional intervention programme to promote Mexican population adherence to a sustainable diet and to evaluate its effects on health and environmental outcomes. In stage 1, the programme will be designed using the sustainable diets, behaviour change wheel and capability, opportunity, motivation, and behaviour (COM-B) models. A sustainable food guide, recipes, meal plans and a mobile application will be developed. In stage 2, the intervention will be implemented for 7 weeks, and a 7-week follow-up period in a young Mexican adults (18-35 years) sample, randomly divided (1:1 ratio) into a control group (n 50) and an experimental group (n 50), will be divided into two arms at week 8. Outcomes will include health, nutrition, environment, behaviour and nutritional-sustainable knowledge. Additionally, socio-economics and culture will be considered. Thirteen behavioural objectives will be included using successive approaches in online workshops twice a week. The population will be monitored using the mobile application consisting of behavioural change techniques. In stage 3, the effects of the intervention will be assessed using mixed-effects models on dietary intake and quality, nutritional status, physical activity, metabolic biomarkers (serum glucose and lipid profile), gut microbiota composition and dietary water and carbon footprints of the evaluated population. Improvements in health outcomes and a decrease in dietary water and carbon footprints are expected.

Microalgae-Based Biotechnology as Alternative Biofertilizers for Soil Enhancement and Carbon Footprint Reduction: Advantages and Implications.

Due to the constant growth of the human population and anthropological activity, it has become necessary to use sustainable and affordable technologies that satisfy the current and future demand for agricultural products. Since the nutrients available to plants in the soil are limited and the need to increase the yields of the crops is desirable, the use of chemical (inorganic or NPK) fertilizers has been widespread over the last decades, causing a nutrient shortage due to their misuse and exploitation, and because of the uncontrolled use of these products, there has been a latent environmental and health problem globally. For this reason, green biotechnology based on the use of microalgae biomass is proposed as a sustainable alternative for development and use as soil improvers for crop cultivation and phytoremediation. This review explores the long-term risks of using chemical fertilizers for both human health (cancer and hypoxia) and the environment (eutrophication and erosion), as well as the potential of microalgae biomass to substitute current fertilizer using different treatments on the biomass and their application methods for the implementation on the soil; additionally, the biomass can be a source of carbon mitigation and wastewater treatment in agro-industrial processes.

Assessing the carbon footprint of a Colombian University Campus using the UNE-ISO 14064-1 and WRI/WBCSD GHG Protocol Corporate Standard.

Higher education institutions (HEIs) transfer skills and knowledge between industries, the government, and the public, playing a vital role at educating future leaders in creating a globally sustainable system. Therein, evaluating greenhouse gas emissions from an educational institute is the first step towards the proposed reduction targets at the local, national, and international levels. In this research, we report the first approximate carbon footprint calculation of emissions corresponding to scope 1, scope 2, and scope 3 emissions for the main urban campuses of Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Medellín, using the UNE-ISO 14064-1 and WRI/WBCSD GHG Protocol Corporate standard. The carbon footprint in 2019 was approximately 7250.52 tons CO2 eq, and 0.432 tons CO2 eq per person. Scope 1 emissions accounted for about 2.84% of the carbon footprint, while scope 2 and 3 emissions each contributed nearly 14% and 83%, respectively. The largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions were the transportation process (58.51%), the wastewater process (17.01%), followed by electricity consumption (14.03%), and the e-mails that are sent (6.51%). It is suggested some proposals and strategies for mitigating and reducing emissions. Colombian HEIs exhibit the lowest ton of CO2 eq. per person compared to the other HEIs. Several reasons explain this behavior across the document such as geographic location (climate and topography), cultural factors (consumption patterns and types of transportation), population size, typology (public or private), gross domestic product (GDP) of each country, and methodology implemented. Results cannot be extrapolated to the Colombian case for the differences in the local conditions; therefore, it is not possible to get solid conclusions on the CF behavior in the Colombian HEIs. In this research, we provide for the first time a carbon footprint calculation where the sociological, political, and geographic conditions not extrapolated representing a valuable contribution to the HEI's of the country. This research can be a benchmark in the carbon footprint calculation and a methodological contribution to HEIs in the country.

Carbon Footprint of Away-From-Home Food Consumption in Brazilian Diet.

Environmentally unsustainable diets are often characterized by being high in calories, processed foods, and red meats, characteristics related to away-from-home food (AFHF). The aim of this study is to evaluate if AFHF consumption is related to environmental sustainability. Data of 20,780 adults from 24 h recalls collected in the 2017-2018 Brazilian National Dietary Survey (NDS) were used to estimate carbon footprint coefficients. The mean carbon footprint was estimated among individuals who consumed AFHF and non-consumers. Linear regression models were used to evaluate differences between away-from-home eating and the carbon footprint of the diet, adjusting for age and income. A total of 41% of Brazilians consumed AFHF during the previous day. The mean carbon footprint from foods consumed away from home represented 18% of the total carbon footprint. AFHF was positively associated with increased total carbon footprint (ß: 204.1; p-value: 0.0145). In conclusion, the consumption of foods away from home in urban areas of Brazil was associated with atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions independently of age and income. Away-from-home food consumption should be considered to reinforce the influence of diet on individual and planet health.

Estimation of carbon footprint and sources of emissions of an extensive alpaca production system.

A cradle-to-farm gate life cycle assessment was conducted following international standards (ISO 14040, 2006) to estimate sources of greenhouse gas emissions of an extensive alpaca production system in the Peruvian Andes with a focus on carbon footprint. The assessment encompasses all supply chain processes involved with the production of alpaca fiber and meat. Direct (i.e., enteric fermentation, manure, and manure management) and indirect emissions (i.e., electricity, fuel, and fertilizer) of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane were estimated according to the (IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). 2006. IPCC 2006 for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories. Volume 2, Chapter 3. Mobile Combustion. Volume 4, Chapter 10. Emissions from livestock and manure management. Chapter 11. N2O emissions from managed soils and CO2 emissions derived from the application of lime and urea. https://www.ipcc-nggip.iges.or.jp/public/2006gl/vol4.html ). Carbon footprint was calculated based on a mass, economic, and biophysical allocation. The functional unit of the economic and mass allocations was 1 kg of LW as the main product and 1 kg of white or colored fiber as co-products. The functional unit of the biophysical allocation was 1 kg of live weight and 1 kg of fiber. The largest source of greenhouse gas emissions came from enteric fermentation (67%), followed by direct and indirect nitrous oxide emissions (29%). The estimated carbon footprint of the extensive alpaca production system, considering a 20% offtake rate, was 24.0 and 29.5 kg of carbon dioxide equivalents per kg of live weight for the economic and mass allocations, respectively, while for the biophysical allocation was 22.6 and 53.0 kg of carbon dioxide equivalents per kg of alpaca live weight and alpaca fiber, respectively. The carbon footprint per area was 88.6 kg carbon dioxide equivalents per ha.

The Chilean Diet: Is It Sustainable?

Food systems are one of the main contributors to climate change. Sustainable diets are one strategy to mitigate climate change. Assessments and estimations at a national level are lacking, especially in the Global South, probably due to a lack of national surveys of food consumption and a limited interest in sustainable diets information. The objective of this study is to estimate and describe the carbon and water footprint of the Chilean population's diet in an overall estimation desegregated by region, age, sex, socioeconomic level and their main characterizations. This study is based on a secondary data analysis from the National Survey of Food Consumption made in 2010. The carbon and water footprint of the food subgroups/person/day were estimated. The results are compared by sex, age group, socioeconomic level, and macro zone. A carbon footprint of 4.67 kg CO2eq and a water footprint of 4177 L, both per person/day, were obtained. Animal-sourced foods, such as dairy and red meat, were responsible for 60.5% of the total carbon footprint and 52.6% of the water footprint. The highest values for both footprints were found in the following groups: men, adolescents, young adults, people with a higher socioeconomic level, and residents in the southern area of the country. The carbon footprint and water footprint values in Chile generated by food consumption would be above the world averages. Transforming the Chilean food system into a more sustainable one with changes in eating patterns is urgently required to attain this transformation.

Milk carbon footprint of silvopastoral dairy systems in the Northern Peruvian Amazon.

The objective of this study was to estimate the carbon footprint (CF) of milk production (in kg of CO2 equivalents (CO2e) per kg of fat and protein corrected milk (FPCM)) in dairy farms of the San Martín region, in the Peruvian Amazon. A cradle-to-farm gate characterization and analysis were carried out on eight representative dairy farms. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were estimated using equations, following the 2019 refinement of the 2006 IPCC Guidelines. The results showed an average milk production of 9.7 ± 0.82 L milk/cow/day, Gyr x Holstein crosses as the predominant breed, use of cultivated grasses such as Brachiaria brizantha, living fences (Guazuma ulmifolia Lam) as the predominant silvopastoral arrangement, and low level of external inputs such as feed or grain additives. In relation to CF, an average value of 2.26 ± 0.49 kg CO2e/kg FPCM was obtained, with enteric fermentation being the most important source (1.81 ± 0.51 kg CO2e/kg FPCM), followed by manure management, land use, and energy/transport (0.26 ± 0.06, 0.14 ± 0.04, and 0.05 ± 0.04 kg CO2e/kg FPCM, respectively). Differences were found between farmers, obtaining lower CF values (1.76 vs 3.09 kg CO2e/kg FPCM) on farms with better feed quality, higher production levels, and a higher percentage of lactating animals compared to dry cows. It is concluded that dairy farms in the Peruvian Amazon region can reduce their emissions if they improve their current feeding practices.

Critérios globais para caracterizar cidades saudáveis / Global criteria to characterize healthy cities

Contexto: Na década de 1970, o Relatório Lalonde apresentou-se como uma nova perspectiva de saúde e um ponto de partida para o conceito de Cidades Saudáveis. Ele expôs um conceito ampliado de saúde ao afirmar que as melhorias das condições de saúde da população podem ser resultado de mudanças no ambiente físico-social e no estilo de vida. Pergunta: Quais são os critérios adotados em diferentes partes do mundo para caracterizar cidades/municípios saudáveis? Método: As buscas foram realizadas em PubMed, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde e Social Systems Evidence, em 8 e 10 de março de 2022, com o propósito de identificar estudos primários e secundários que abordassem critérios para caracterização de Cidades Saudáveis. Utilizando atalhos de revisão rápida para simplificar o processo, apenas o processo de seleção por títulos e resumos foi realizado em duplicidade e de forma independente. Foram incluídos estudos publicados em inglês, espanhol e português, e não houve limitação para inclusão quanto ao delineamento ou data de publicação. Os estudos incluídos foram avaliados quanto à qualidade metodológica com instrumentos específicos para cada delineamento. Resultados: As publicações recuperadas nas fontes de dados foram 2.723, das quais 24 foram incluídas após o processo de seleção. Os domínios das Cidades Saudáveis propostos pela OMS foram utilizados para agregar os estudos incluídos, conforme apresentado a seguir. Domínio 1: Melhorar a governança da cidade para a saúde e bem-estar. Seis artigos foram indicados neste domínio, que trata sobre parcerias locais para promover a saúde; responsabilização e prestação de contas; utilização de um perfil de saúde na cidade em conjunto com um plano de desenvolvimento de saúde; promoção da saúde nas políticas públicas; e diplomacia na cidade. Domínio 2: Reduzir/minimizar as desigualdades em saúde. Cinco artigos foram incluídos neste domínio, que aborda o significado e as formas de medir os problemas de desigualdade social e impacto sobre a sociedade; e desenvolver um plano de ação para resolver os conflitos. Domínio 3: Promover a abordagem de saúde em todas as políticas. Sete artigos são apresentados neste domínio, que se refere a mecanismos de formulação de políticas locais com coerência para benefício da saúde e para aumentar a capacidade de avaliação dos impactos na saúde. Domínio 4: Promover o desenvolvimento e o empoderamento da comunidade e criar ambientes sociais que apoiem a saúde. Cinco artigos foram associados a este domínio, que abarca temas de promoção do letramento e resiliência da comunidade; promoção da inclusão social e projetos comunitários; garantia de acesso à assistência social; incentivo à prática de atividade física em todas as idades; criação de ambientes físicos e sociais livres de fumo; incentivo à alimentação saudável e limitação do acesso a alimentos ricos em açúcares; e abordagem de problemas de saúde mental e bem-estar social. Domínio 5: Criar ambientes físicos e construídos que apoiem a saúde e as escolhas saudáveis. Onze estudos foram arrolados neste domínio, que aborda temas como criar bairros seguros e limpos; promover e investir em deslocamento saudável (a pé ou de bicicleta); enfrentar os problemas de saneamento básico, poluição sonora e do ar, mudanças climáticas, diminuição da emissão de carbono, higiene e habitação; incentivar a receptividade de crianças e idosos; garantir acesso a áreas verdes para convívio social e investir em planejamento urbano saudável. Domínio 6: Melhorar a qualidade e o acesso aos serviços locais de saúde e sociais. Um estudo foi associado a este domínio, que é caracterizado por assegurar a cobertura universal na saúde e remover barreiras; melhorar a qualidade de serviços para a comunidade e a articulação entre os serviços de atenção primária à saúde e outros serviços públicos de saúde. Domínio 7: Considerar todas as pessoas no planejamento da cidade e priorizar os mais vulneráveis. Quatro artigos foram relacionados neste domínio, que se refere à prática saudável para crianças no início da vida, garantir acesso à educação para todos, garantir o envelhecimento saudável e identificar nas cidades as necessidades das pessoas mais vulneráveis. Domínio 8: Fortalecer os serviços locais de saúde pública e a capacidade de lidar com emergências relacionadas à saúde. Um artigo foi citado neste domínio, que trata de temáticas de investimento em programas de promoção da saúde e prevenção de doenças com base na população e comunidade; cuidar do problema de obesidade em jovens e adultos; e lidar com emergências relacionadas às mudanças climáticas e fenômenos como epidemias e desastres naturais. Domínio 9: Manter um plano de preparação, prontidão e resposta urbana em emergências de saúde pública. Nenhum estudo foi associado a este domínio, que é caracterizado pelo desenvolvimento de práticas de vigilância inclusivas; promoção de informações e práticas com base em evidências; entendimento e ação sobre as vulnerabilidades; trabalho em fortalecimento e respostas comunitárias; e planejamento de medidas de emergências. Outras propostas: Dois estudos abordam proposições que não foram associadas diretamente aos domínios recomendados pela OMS, mas que podem contribuir para aprimorar os critérios de Cidades Saudáveis. Um deles discute o conceito de cidades inteligentes, que utilizam tecnologias de informação e comunicação para melhorar a produtividade e organizar uma governança mais aberta. O outro estudo tem como foco o ecofeminismo, trabalho reprodutivo e de cuidado, planejamento urbano feminista e o incentivo para integração da saúde humana e ambiental. Considerações finais: Os estudos incluídos apresentam informações relevantes sobre a caracterização de Cidades Saudáveis, principalmente os diferentes conceitos abordados acerca do que considerar na avaliação e implementação de cidades e comunidades saudáveis. Os resultados mostram que ainda são escassos os relatos sobre experiências de implementação da proposta de Cidades Saudáveis. As ações de promoção da saúde, como a criação de ambientes físicos e construídos que apoiem a saúde e as escolhas saudáveis, o planejamento urbano voltado à abordagem de uma grande diversidade de problemas e soluções, a promoção da abordagem de saúde em políticas de outros setores e a melhora da governança na cidade para saúde e bem-estar, fazem parte do rol de critérios de Cidades Saudáveis, e têm sido postas em prática em muitos municípios, inclusive no Brasil. No entanto, as estratégias de busca desta revisão rápida não conseguiram recuperar tais experiências nacionais. O fato de não terem sido recuperadas nas buscas pode ser um indicativo de que o termo "cidade saudável" não tem sido considerado por muitos pesquisadores em suas publicações.

Context: In the 1970s, the Lalonde Report presented itself as a new perspective on health and a starting point for the concept of Healthy Cities. He exposed an expanded concept of health by stating that improvements in the population's health conditions can be the result of changes in the physical-social environment and in lifestyle. Question: What are the criteria adopted in different parts of the world to characterize healthy cities/municipalities? Method: The searches were carried out in PubMed, Virtual Health Library and Social Systems Evidence, on March 8 and 10, 2022, with the purpose of identifying primary and secondary studies that addressed criteria for the characterization of Healthy Cities. Using rapid review shortcuts to simplify the process, only the title and abstract selection process was performed in duplicate and independently. Studies published in English, Spanish and Portuguese were included, and there was no limitation for inclusion in terms of design or publication date. The included studies were evaluated for methodological quality with specific instruments for each design. Results: The publications retrieved from the data sources were 2,723, of which 24 were included after the selection process. The Healthy Cities domains proposed by WHO were used to aggregate the included studies, as shown below. Domain 1: Improve city governance for health and well-being. Six articles were indicated in this domain, which deals with local partnerships to promote health; accountability and accountability; use of a health profile in the city in conjunction with a health development plan; health promotion in public policies; and diplomacy in the city. Domain 2: Reduce/minimize health inequalities. Five articles were included in this domain, which addresses the meaning and ways of measuring problems of social inequality and impact on society; and develop an action plan to resolve conflicts. Domain 3: Promoting the health approach in all policies. Seven articles are presented in this domain, which refers to mechanisms for formulating local policies with coherence for the benefit of health and to increase the capacity to assess health impacts. Domain 4: Promote community development and empowerment and create social environments that support health. Five articles were associated with this domain, which covers topics of literacy promotion and community resilience; promoting social inclusion and community projects; guarantee of access to social assistance; encouraging the practice of physical activity at all ages; creating smoke-free physical and social environments; encouraging healthy eating and limiting access to foods rich in sugars; and addressing mental health and social well-being issues. Domain 5: Create physical and built environments that support health and healthy choices. Eleven studies were enrolled in this domain, which addresses topics such as creating safe and clean neighborhoods; promote and invest in healthy commuting (on foot or by bicycle); face the problems of basic sanitation, noise and air pollution, climate change, reduction of carbon emissions, hygiene and housing; encourage the receptivity of children and the elderly; ensure access to green areas for social interaction and invest in healthy urban planning. Domain 6: Improve the quality of and access to local health and social services. One study was associated with this domain, which is characterized by ensuring universal health coverage and removing barriers; improve the quality of services for the community and the articulation between primary health care services and other public health services. Domain 7: Consider all people in city planning and prioritize the most vulnerable. Four articles were listed in this domain, which refers to healthy practice for children early in life, ensuring access to education for all, ensuring healthy aging and identifying the needs of the most vulnerable people in cities. Domain 8: Strengthen local public health services and capacity to deal with health-related emergencies. An article was cited in this domain, which deals with investment themes in population and community-based health promotion and disease prevention programs; to take care of the problem of obesity in young people and adults; and dealing with emergencies related to climate change and phenomena such as epidemics and natural disasters. Domain 9: Maintain an urban preparedness, preparedness, and response plan for public health emergencies. No studies were associated with this domain, which is characterized by the development of inclusive surveillance practices; promotion of evidence-based information and practices; understanding and acting on vulnerabilities; work in community strengthening and responses; and planning of emergency measures. Other proposals: Two studies address propositions that were not directly associated with the domains recommended by the WHO, but that may contribute to improving the Healthy Cities criteria. One of them discusses the concept of smart cities, which use information and communication technologies to improve productivity and organize more open governance. The other study focuses on ecofeminism, reproductive and care work, feminist urban planning, and encouraging the integration of human and environmental health. Final considerations: The studies included present relevant information about the characterization of Healthy Cities, mainly the different concepts approached about what to consider in the evaluation and implementation of healthy cities and communities. The results show that there are still few reports on experiences of implementing the Healthy Cities proposal. Health promotion actions, such as creating physical and built environments that support health and healthy choices, urban planning aimed at addressing a wide range of problems and solutions, promoting a health approach in policies in other sectors and the improvement of governance in the city for health and well-being, are part of the list of Healthy Cities criteria, and have been put into practice in many municipalities, including Brazil. However, the search strategies of this rapid review failed to retrieve such national experiences. The fact that they were not retrieved in searches may be an indication that the term "healthy city" has not been considered by many researchers in their publications.

Exploring an alternative to the Chilean textile waste: A carbon footprint assessment of a textile recycling process.

Global population growth and rising living standards are increasing apparel consumption. Consequently, the consumption of resources and the generation of textile waste are increasing exponentially. For instance, according to the World Bank, Chile has increased textile imports by 500% in the last 20 years, even though the population has only increased by 26%. This textile import increase has resulted in the clothing desert that has been seen recently in northern Chile because most of the textiles at the end of their useful life will be disposed of in landfills or open dumps. This evidences the urgency of more efficient technologies that reduce the consumption of resources and that value waste on the way to a circular and sustainable economy. Since the textile recycling industry and environmental impact studies are currently in their nascent stages in Chile, the objective of this article is to explore the potential environmental benefits of a textile recycling process and, therefore, the related challenges towards more sustainable options. The considered textile recycling process incorporates mixed waste and is compared with landfills in terms of CO2eq because it represents the conventional treatment of waste and the substitution of products from primary sources. The results show that textile waste landfills emit 423.4 kg CO2eq per ton, while products from primary sources emit an average of 6496.65 kg CO2eq, compared to the textile recycling process that only it emits 1142.12 kg CO2eq per ton, obtaining an average of 5778 kg CO2eq avoided per ton of textile waste, achieving environmental benefits. However, it is necessary to highlight the dependence of this result on the choice of replaced products and the energy matrix. Thus, we assessed the energy matrix, evaluating the positive impact of implementing an energy matrix based on wind or solar energy.

Black carbon footprint of human presence in Antarctica.

Black carbon (BC) from fossil fuel and biomass combustion darkens the snow and makes it melt sooner. The BC footprint of research activities and tourism in Antarctica has likely increased as human presence in the continent has surged in recent decades. Here, we report on measurements of the BC concentration in snow samples from 28 sites across a transect of about 2,000 km from the northern tip of Antarctica (62°S) to the southern Ellsworth Mountains (79°S). Our surveys show that BC content in snow surrounding research facilities and popular shore tourist-landing sites is considerably above background levels measured elsewhere in the continent. The resulting radiative forcing is accelerating snow melting and shrinking the snowpack on BC-impacted areas on the Antarctic Peninsula and associated archipelagos by up to 23 mm water equivalent (w.e.) every summer.

The impact of beef and soybean protein demand on carbon emissions in Argentina during the first two decades of the twenty-first century.

We quantified and analyzed the effect that the domestic and international demand for beef and soybean proteins had on carbon emissions in Argentina during the first two decades of the twenty-first century. We also analyzed the influence of both factors on the national deforestation rates. Principal component analysis and simple regression analyses were in turn used to detect components that maximize data variance, and to quantify relevant relationships. Our results show that not all activities considered carbon sources had the same impact on carbon emissions, and not all carbon emissions are equally affected by domestic and international demand of proteins throughout the period 2001-2018. We found a relevant association of both the domestic and international demand with carbon emissions during a first 2001-2009 period, and a less-significant one during a second 2010-2018 period. Deforestation (P <0.01), beef (P <0.05), and soybean production (P> 0.05) were the factors that decreasingly explained carbon emissions. Biased assumptions about the impact of protein demand on carbon emissions in Argentina should be cautiously taken unless they are supported by robust scientific evidence.

Los medicamentos y su huella ambiental / Medicines and their environmental footprint

INTRODUCCIÓN La farmacocontaminación genera creciente preocupación. En Argentina hay escasa información acerca de ella y se desconocen características locales de gestión de residuos de medicamentos. OBJETIVOS Caracterizar la generación y gestión de residuos de medicamentos originados por establecimientos sanitarios (farmacias comunitarias, establecimientos sanitarios con y sin internación, droguerías, veterinarias) y la operatoria en el ámbito de entes de control en Neuquén Capital, Argentina, en 2023. MÉTODOS Se realizó un estudio observacional, transversal y prospectivo por muestreo estratificado proporcional sobre 114 establecimientos y sobre entes de control, usando formularios validados para recoger datos. RESULTADOS Todos los establecimientos cumplen con normas ambientales sobre generadores de estos residuos. Si bien las droguerías tienen más estrategias de gestión que los demás establecimientos (trazabilidad, estandarización de actividades, procesos de mejora y mayor capacitación al personal involucrado en la gestión de residuos de medicamentos) y en general se usa el control de stock, se aplican escasas estrategias secundarias dirigidas a minimizar la generación de residuos, y hay poca interacción de concientización a la comunidad. La valorización de materiales es escasa. Existen iniciativas positivas a nivel municipal sobre residuos domiciliarios de medicamentos. DISCUSIÓN Si bien hay consideración del problema a nivel municipal, se requiere un mayor compromiso gubernamental en todos los niveles para su abordaje integral. La percepción y visibilidad del fenómeno y sus riesgos es baja entre los actores de la cadena de uso de medicamentos. La gestión de residuos en las instituciones sanitarias observadas es optimizable con estrategias de minimización recomendadas.

Food consumption in Brazil: influence of beef on environmental impact and nutritional quality of the diet / Consumo alimentar no Brasil: influência da carne bovina no impacto ambiental e na qualidade nutricional da dieta

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate beef consumption and its influence on carbon and water footprints, as well as to improve the nutritional quality of the Brazilian diet. METHODS The amount of beef and other foods consumed was evaluated by two 24-hour food records in a representative sample of the Brazilian population ≥ 10 years of age (n = 32,853) from 2008 to 2009. The environmental impact of the diet considered the coefficients of the carbon footprint (gCO2 and/kg) and the water footprint (liters/kg) of the foods, as well as their nutritional quality considering the nutrient composition of each food associated with the prevention of nutritional deficiencies or the increase/decrease in chronic disease risk. Linear and logistic regression models, crude and adjusted for sex, age, education, income, region, and area, were used to respectively study the association of fifths of the caloric contribution of beef with the environmental impacts of the diet and inadequate nutrient intake. RESULTS Carbon and water footprints and protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, saturated fat, and sodium contents were higher in the fraction of the diet composed of beef, whereas fiber and added sugar contents were higher in the fraction composed by the other foods. Dietary beef contribution was directly associated with the carbon and water footprints of the diet and the risk of saturated fat and sodium excess, besides fiber insufficiency, inversely associated with the risk of protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 insufficiency. CONCLUSION Reducing beef consumption in Brazil would also reduce the carbon and water footprints of the diet, as well as the risk of chronic diseases related to food. Therefore, in order not to increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies, monitoring the increased intake of other foods rich in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 is suggested.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Estimar o consumo de carne bovina e a sua influência nas pegadas de carbono e na pegada hídrica, bem como mesurar a qualidade nutricional da dieta no Brasil. MÉTODOS A quantidade consumida de carne bovina e dos demais alimentos foi avaliada por dois registros alimentares de 24 horas em amostra representativa da população brasileira ≥ 10 anos de idade (n = 32.853) entre 2008 e 2009. O impacto ambiental da dieta considerou os coeficientes da pegada de carbono (gCO2e/kg) e da pegada hídrica (litros/kg) dos alimentos, bem como sua qualidade nutricional considerando a composição de cada alimento em nutrientes associados à prevenção de deficiências nutricionais ou ao aumento/diminuição do risco de doenças crônicas. Modelos de regressão linear e logística, brutos e ajustados para sexo, idade, escolaridade, renda, região e área, foram utilizados para estudar, respectivamente, a associação de quintos da contribuição calórica de carne bovina com os impactos ambientais da dieta e com a ingestão inadequada de nutrientes. RESULTADOS As pegadas de carbono e hídrica e os teores de proteína, ferro, zinco, vitamina B12, gordura saturada e sódio foram maiores na fração da dieta composta por carnes bovinas, enquanto o teor de fibra e de açúcar de adição foram maiores na fração composta pelos demais alimentos. A contribuição dietética de carne bovina mostrou-se associada diretamente com as pegadas de carbono e hídrica da dieta e com o risco de ingestão excessiva de gordura saturada e de sódio, além de ingestão insuficiente de fibra, associando-se inversamente com o risco de ingestão insuficiente de proteína, ferro, zinco e vitamina B12. CONCLUSÃO A redução no consumo de carne bovina no Brasil diminuiria as pegadas de carbono e hídrica da dieta, assim como o risco de doenças crônicas relacionadas à alimentação. Portanto, para não aumentar o risco de deficiências nutricionais, é sugerido o acompanhamento do aumento da ingestão de outros alimentos fontes de proteína, ferro, zinco e vitamina B12.