Nexus of Health and Climate: Obesity, Mediterranean Diet, and Sustainability in a Changing World

The beginning of the twenty-first century has been marked by the simultaneous emergence of multiple, interrelated global challenges that increasingly shape human health, environmental stability, and socio-economic development. Among these, obesity and climate change stand out as two of the most pressing and complex issues. Traditionally examined within separate scientific and policy domains, these phenomena are now widely recognized as interconnected, reinforcing one another through intricate feedback mechanisms. This book adopts a "nexus" approach, emphasizing the interdependence of obesity, climate change, and food systems. By examining these issues together rather than in isolation, it aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of their complexity and to identify opportunities for integrated solutions. A central theme of this book is the role of the Mediterranean diet as a potential bridge between health and sustainability. Widely recognized for its nutritional benefits, it emphasizes fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, olive oil, and moderate consumption of fish and dairy. Beyond its health advantages, the Mediterranean diet is also associated with lower environmental impacts compared to more resource-intensive diets. Another important dimension explored in this volume is the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations. Pregnant women, for example, are particularly susceptible to environmental stressors such as heat exposure. The role of technology and innovation in addressing these challenges is also examined. Recently, advances in artificial intelligence have opened new possibilities for health promotion and disease management. Furthermore, the book addresses the critical role of the food industry in influencing both dietary behaviors and environmental outcomes. Modern food production and distribution systems are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. Ultimately, the central argument of this book is that the challenges of obesity and climate change cannot be effectively addressed in isolation. They require multi-sectoral responses that recognize their shared drivers and interdependencies.