Rajma, Idli among top 25 global dishes causing environmental impact: Study
PTC Web Desk: A global study assessing the biodiversity footprints of 151 popular dishes worldwide has revealed surprising findings about the environmental impact of your beloved foods! Led by Luis Roman Carrasco, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at the National University of Singapore, the research sheds light on unexpected positions of certain vegetarian dishes, such as Idli and rajma, on the list of biodiversity-damaging foods.
The study ranks lechazo, a roast lamb recipe from Spain, as the food item causing the highest damage to biodiversity. Following closely are four beef and meat preparations popular in Brazil. Unexpectedly, Idli, a South Indian rice-based dish, secured the sixth position, while rajma, a vegetarian kidney beans curry, came in seventh. The assessment indicates that meat-containing dishes generally have a higher biodiversity footprint compared to vegetarian and vegan options.
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Luis Roman Carrasco explains that the biodiversity footprint reflects the number of species impacted, at least partially, in the production of a particular dish. The study delves into how the ingredients of each dish affect the species richness and range of wild mammals, birds, and amphibians in cropland areas. The surprising revelation is the significant impact of legumes and rice in India, emphasising the need for environmental consciousness in dietary choices.
With taste, price, and health influencing food choices, the study aims to raise awareness and encourage environmentally conscious eating. The expansion of agriculture has led to severe biodiversity damage due to habitat loss. Non-vegetarian dishes, in particular, negatively impact livestock rearing. In India, where legumes are among the top-produced foods, rice and legume cultivation in traditionally biodiverse regions has contributed to biodiversity damage. Despite this, the study notes that India has successfully coexisted with biodiversity, largely due to a significant portion of the population adopting vegetarianism.
The findings underscore the importance of understanding the ecological impact of our food preferences. The study encourages individuals to be mindful of their food choices and consider the broader environmental implications. By becoming more aware of biodiversity footprints associated with various dishes, people can contribute to sustainable and eco-friendly practices in agriculture and food consumption.
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