211 Virgin Olive Oil Benefits guarantees the maintenance and development of traditional activities linked to agriculture and fishing in many Mediterranean areas. Besides being a cultural heritage which respects biodiversity, the MD protects and maintains different species linked to the territory, thus influencing economic and environmental aspects. It is also economically sustainable, as an example, olive oil represents 2% of the total Spanish shopping basket and provides 20% of the population’s total calories. A low cost when considering the benefits provided. Individuals with high adherence to the MD generally perform more physical activity, present less overweight and obesity, drink more wine and less other alcoholic or carbonated beverages, and eat less fast-food. 18.4. Food sustainability: the new Mediterranean Diet pyramid Climate change is now a real issue on the political agenda of international organisations and governments. To counteract such a change, politicians generally centre their efforts on the energy sector, whilst little attention is focused on agriculture and cattle. These, however, provide nearly 20% of all gas emissions with greenhouse effect, represent 80% of the earth surface used by humanity, and 80% water consumption. From a nutritional point of view, it has been established that a reduction in red meat consumption is required for health purposes. Moreover, such a decrease is supported from the perspective of climate issues. A 50% reduction in meat consumption would have an impact on: 1) a decrease in the surface used for pastures and crops, with the concomitant carbon generation from vegetation; 2) a reduction of the deforestation promoted to obtain monocultures such as soya and other vegetables for animal feeding; 3) a substantial lowering (10%) of methane and carbon dioxide emissions; and 4) a saving in water used for agricultural and cattle purposes. Dietary patterns with a high red meat ingestion are resource consuming. In contrast, a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, and cereals reduces the environmental impact and supports the 2030 Sustainable Development Objectives. A complete MD adherence in Spain would reduce gases with greenhouse effects (72%), use of land (58%), energy consumption (52%), and water consumption (33%). Spanish adherence to Fast Food, would, however, increase these figures by 12% to 72%.
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