Dataset Information

Greenhouse gas emissions from African lakes are no longer a blind spot.

ABSTRACT: Natural lakes are thought to be globally important sources of greenhouse gases (CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O) to the atmosphere although nearly no data have been previously reported from Africa. We collected CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O data in 24 African lakes that accounted for 49% of total lacustrine surface area of the African continent and covered a wide range of morphology and productivity. The surface water concentrations of dissolved CO₂ were much lower than values attributed in current literature to tropical lakes and lower than in boreal systems because of a higher productivity. In contrast, surface water-dissolved CH₄ concentrations were generally higher than in boreal systems. The lowest CO₂ and the highest CH₄ concentrations were observed in the more shallow and productive lakes. Emissions of CO₂ may likely have been substantially overestimated by a factor between 9 and 18 in African lakes and between 6 and 26 in pan-tropical lakes.

SUBMITTER: Borges AV

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9232103 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Greenhouse gas emissions from African lakes are no longer a blind spot.

Borges Alberto V AV Deirmendjian Loris L Bouillon Steven S Okello William W Lambert Thibault T Roland Fleur A E FAE Razanamahandry Vao F VF Voarintsoa Ny Riavo G NRG Darchambeau François F Kimirei Ismael A IA Descy Jean-Pierre JP Allen George H GH Morana Cédric C

Science advances 20220624 25

Natural lakes are thought to be globally important sources of greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, and N2O) to the atmosphere although nearly no data have been previously reported from Africa. We collected CO2, CH4, and N2O data in 24 African lakes that accounted for 49% of total lacustrine surface area of the African continent and covered a wide range of morphology and productivity. The surface water concentrations of dissolved CO2</ ...[more]

PMID: 35749499

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Project description:BackgroundFood production accounts for 30% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Less environmentally sustainable diets are also often more processed, energy-dense and nutrient-poor. To date, the environmental impact of diets have mostly been based on a limited number of broad food groups.ObjectivesWe link GHG emissions to over 3000 foods, assessing associations between individuals' GHG emissions, their nutrient requirements and their demographic characteristics. We also identify additional information required in dietary assessment to generate more accurate environmental impact data for individual-level diets.MethodsGHG emissions of individual foods, including process stages prior to retail, were added to the UK Composition Of Foods Integrated Dataset (COFID) composition tables and linked to automated online dietary assessment for 212 adults over three 24-hour periods. Variations in GHG emissions were explored by dietary pattern, demographic characteristics and World Health Organization Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNIs).ResultsGHG emissions estimates were linked to 98% (n = 3233) of food items. Meat explained 32% of diet-related GHG emissions; 15% from drinks; 14% from dairy; and 8% from cakes, biscuits and confectionery. Non-vegetarian diets had GHG emissions 59% (95% CI 18%, 115%) higher than vegetarian. Men had 41% (20%, 64%) higher GHG emissions than women. Individuals meeting RNIs for saturated fats, carbohydrates and sodium had lower GHG emissions compared to those exceeding the RNI.DiscussionPolicies encouraging sustainable diets should focus on plant-based diets. Substituting tea, coffee and alcohol with more sustainable alternatives, whilst reducing less nutritious sweet snacks, presents further opportunities. Healthier diets had lower GHG emissions, demonstrating consistency between planetary and personal health. Further detail could be gained from incorporating brand, production methods, post-retail emissions, country of origin, and additional environmental impact indicators.

Dataset Information

Greenhouse gas emissions from African lakes are no longer a blind spot.

Publications

Greenhouse gas emissions from African lakes are no longer a blind spot.

Similar Datasets

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