Increasing breastfeeding rates correlates to improved infant and adult health and helps to reduce greenhouse gases and lessen the environmental impact of food alternatives. When compared with breastmilk, milk production uses large amounts of water and has a high carbon footprint. These guidelines emphasise the importance of promoting and protecting breastfeeding in order to support the reduction of waste, food contamination (chemical and microbiological), and spoilage. Food security for infants and young children is not possible without promoting and achieving high rates of breastfeeding.
Source: UNICEF
Binns. C. et al. 2021. Climate Change, Food Supply and Dietary Guidelines. Vol. 42:233-255. https:doi.org/101146/annurev-publhealth-012420-105044
