Climate change is stripping nutrients from food, global study with Israeli expert warns

Climate change poses a growing threat not only to crop yields but also to the nutritional quality of the food we eat, potentially exacerbating "hidden hunger" worldwide. A new global study involving 15 leading researchers from four continents, including Prof. Asaph Aharoni from Israel's Weizmann Institute of Science, highlights that rising global temperatures are accelerating the decline of vital vitamins and minerals in staple foods.

This phenomenon means that even individuals with access to ample calories, which can sometimes lead to obesity, may suffer from deficiencies in essential micronutrients. Prof. Aharoni stated that this is not a distant concern, noting that "Already today, up to two-thirds of the world’s population does not get enough essential micronutrients – including folic acid, vitamin B2, calcium, iron, and iodine – from their diet." This situation can lead to serious health issues, compounding the problem of actual hunger faced by over 700 million people globally.

The research, published in the journal Nature and led by Prof. Dominique Van Der Straeten of Ghent University and Prof. Alisdair Fernie of the Max Planck Institute, presents a roadmap for safeguarding and improving the nutritional content of crops. The scientists propose leveraging advanced genetic technologies, such as CRISPR gene editing, to boost the vitamin and mineral levels in crops while simultaneously enhancing their resilience to a changing climate.

CRISPR-Cas technology, known for its precision in genome editing, is identified as a groundbreaking breeding tool. The researchers suggest its application for biofortification, aiming to increase micronutrient densities to levels that can effectively combat dietary deficiencies. They argue that to achieve the goal of zero hunger within a limited timeframe, CRISPR-Cas should be integrated with metabolic engineering and other advanced technologies. The study emphasizes the need for a multi-pronged approach, focusing on enhanced yield, higher nutrient density, and climate resilience to address one of the 21st century's most pressing societal challenges.

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This is not a distant threat to health. Already today, up to two-thirds of the world’s population does not get enough essential micronutrients – including folic acid, vitamin B2, calcium, iron, and iodine – from their diet, a situation that can lead to hidden hunger.