Palau

Greenhouse gas emissions are the main contributor of climate change, and are thus an important indicator of a food system's contribution to climate change. In addition, greenhouse gases from transforming land (clearing, burning, or otherwise removing existing vegetation) for agricultural use are a large source of food system greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change is associated with increased land surface temperature, extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and other changes to the environment. These changes may impact the quality, quantity, and safety of our food supply.

Urbanization can be a challenge to the food system, as with increased proportion of people living in urban areas, food production is at risk of declining, especially on low- and middle-sized farms. Urban areas demand high penetration of food distribution and retail.

Population growth is relevant as it speaks to how fast a population is changing, what the age profile of the population is, and gives clues to the age-dependency ratio. A fast growing population also means pressure on the food system to continue increasing supply to meet the demands of a larger population.

Countries with lower shares of dietary energy from staple foods may have higher nutritional quality in their food supplies. As non-staple foods--which are typically more nutrient-dense than cereals, roots and tubers--increase in availability, country-level food supplies are more capable of meeting population-level nutrient needs. However, this does not consider the distribution of these foods to population sub-groups, including nutritionally vulnerable groups whose needs may be higher, or low-income groups who may have difficulty affording non-staple foods.

Final consumption expenditure provides an approximate measure of income and consumer spending power, which impacts the affordability of foods and consumer behavior.

This indicates agricultural land dynamics, which can affect food supply and environmental quality.

Embedding at least 10% of natural and seminatural vegetation is being proposed as a planetary boundary to guarantee that agricultural lands have integrity and a minimum amount of natural capital to provide ecosystem services. Attaining 10% natural vegetation is a low target that all cropland systems must fulfill.

Adults who are obese are at increased risk of diet related noncommunicable diseases and premature mortality (The Global BMI Mortality Collaboration 2016).

Women who are underweight may not be receiving the adequate amount of energy and macronutrients, placing them at greater risk for micronutrient deficiencies, osteoporosis, infection, and mortality. Women of reproductive age who are underweight may be at greater risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes if they become pregnant.

Animal-source foods, particularly liver; bivalves including oysters, clams, and mussels; small oily fish; and meat, leafy greens, other vegetables, and pulses are good sources of dietary iron, which prevents iron-deficiency anemia. Other causes of anemia include intestinal parasitic infections, malaria, and other nutritional deficiencies. Women's iron intake needs are greater than men's. Iron deficiency during pregnancy can result in complications for mother and fetus, including low birth weight.

High consumption of sugary foods and beverages and processed flours and starches above the recommended amounts and proportions contributes to the development of Type II diabetes.

High blood pressure or hypertension increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. High sodium intake, through consumption of salt in prepared and processed foods, and low potassium intake, which can be improved by consuming fruits and vegetables, contribute to high blood pressure (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/healthy-diet).