News Climate

Crop nutrients may drop as carbon dioxide rises

Iron, zinc and protein fall 5 to 10 percent at carbon dioxide levels projected for 2050

DIETARY DING  Wheat and other crops growing in circles surrounded by vents spewing carbon dioxide (similar to the one shown) suggest that high amounts of the greenhouse gas could lower foods' levels of nutrients required for a healthy diet.

Bruce Kimball/USDA

By Beth Mole

- More than 2 years ago

In addition to mucking up the planet’s climate, carbon pollution spewed into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels may also make food less nutritious.