This paper identifies six key elements of the Paris Climate Agreement and discusses how they could be applied to the challenge of tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at the global level. The elements are: a collective global goal; a focus on social and economic transformation; nationally determined contributions that become more ambitious over time; an annual multi-stakeholder forum; global scientific stock-taking every five years; and an international legal framework. Most of these elements are not yet in place in relation to AMR.

This paper reviews current knowledge on the health consequences of ingested micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs). Studies have shown that MNPs can be ingested through seafood, sea salt, drinking water, possibly fruit, vegetables and rice, and even airborne particles. One estimate suggests that each person consumes an average of 5 grams of plastic in the form of MNPs each week, although other studies suggest only a fraction of ingested plastic is actually absorbed into the body.

This study finds that vegetarians, fish-eaters and people who eat low levels of meat (five or fewer times a week) have a lower risk of all cancers than people who eat regular levels of meat (more than five times a week): 14% lower for vegetarians, 10% lower for fish-eaters, and 2% lower for low meat-eaters. The authors stress that some of the difference may be due to confounding factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity. The study is based in the UK and had 472,377 participants.

This report, prepared for the European Public Health Alliance by Cóilín Nunan of the Alliance to Save Our Antibiotics, argues that changing animal husbandry practices to improve animal welfare is essential for reducing the routine use of antibiotics on farms.

This book argues that glyphosate, the most commonly used weedkiller in the world, disrupts the gut microbiome and is linked to chronic diseases in humans as well as to soil degeneration and harm to wildlife.

This report from the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future reviews the literature on the working conditions, social contexts and public health threats experienced by farmworkers and their communities in the US. 

TABLE member Luke Spajic has hosted an episode of the Climate Proof-Food Podcast, in which Dr Claas Kirchelle, historian of science, medicine, and technology at University College Dublin, speaks about the contribution of agriculture to antimicrobial resistance.

This systematic review examines the impacts on environment, food security and human health of seven types of plastic used in the food system. The authors created an interactive evidence map, which can be viewed here. Most publications focused on the agricultural stage, with fewer looking at retail, household or food waste disposal. There is relatively little evidence on the impacts of food system plastics in low- and middle- income countries.

This report from the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change makes recommendations for reducing the UK’s food-related greenhouse gas emissions and limiting the negative health impacts of climate change. The suggestions include: provide clear, accessible advice on transitioning to climate-friendly diets; research the most effective forms of food labelling; require publicly procured food to meet minimum environmental standards; and require post-Brexit food imports to meet UK environmental standards.