Quantifying Global Environmental Impacts of Cesarean Sections Mediated by Infant Feeding Practices

While fossil fuels are a major focus in climate discussions, food production and consumption contribute nearly one-third of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the health sector adds 4–5%. This project explores how Caesarean sections (C-sections) affect the environment by lowering breastfeeding rates and increasing reliance on commercial milk formula (CMF). Unnecessary C-sections lead to higher GHG emissions and water use. By analyzing global and national data, the study will develop models to estimate these environmental costs and guide policies that promote breastfeeding and reduce unnecessary procedures—supporting Vietnam’s Net Zero 2050 goals and VinGroup’s sustainability efforts.

• Conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of C-section impacts on breastfeeding and CMF
  use.
• Develop global prediction models for CMF-related carbon and water footprints.
• Create and validate national models using representative data.
• Estimate global and country-level environmental costs of C-sections across scenarios.