Which foods used the most and least land in their production? Medium fertility scenario. By: Using global averages might give us a misleading picture for some parts of the world or some producers. The conclusions we can draw from this are the same. This equals 10 percent of all anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Plant-based protein sources – tofu, beans, peas and nuts – have the lowest carbon footprint. Gerber, H. Steinfeld, B. Henderson, A. Mottet, C. Opio, J. Dijkman, A. Falcucci, G. Tempio, “Tackling climate change through livestock: A global assessment of emissions and mitigation opportunities” (FAO, 2013). Tackling climate change through livestock: A global assessment of emissions and mitigation opportunities. When citing this entry, please also cite the underlying data sources. The runoff of nitrogen and other nutrients from agricultural production systems is a leading contributor. This statistic shows the total global grain production in crop years 2008/2009 to 2017/2018 and provides a forecast for 2018/2019. Emissions from food losses and waste were 3.3 billion tonnes of carbon-dioxide equivalents (CO2eq) – 2.1 GtCO2eq from supply chain losses, and 1.2 GtCO2eq from consumer waste.The World Resource Institute’s CAIT Climate Data Explorer reports that in 2010, the top three emitters were China (9.8 GtCO2eq; 21%); the USA (6.1 GtCO2eq; 13%) and India (2.5 GtCO2eq; 5.3%). Therefore food waste as a share of global emissions is [24% * 26 = 6%]. In 2010, agricultural value-added at the world level rose by 4 percent, in contrast to a 1 percent increase in overall GDP. Many of the foods people assume to come by air are actually transported by boat – avocados and almonds are prime examples.
Urbanization and changes in consumer habits, including travel, have increased the number of people buying and eating food prepared in public places. Joseph Poore and Thomas Nemecek (2018), in their large meta-analysis of global food systems, published in Science, estimated how much of our greenhouse gas emissions come from wasted food.43. Very little food is air-freighted; it accounts for only 0.16% of food miles.22 But for the few products which are transported by air, the emissions can be very high: it emits 50 times more CO2eq than boat per tonne kilometer.23. Food-miles and the relative climate impacts of food choices in the United States. The new bill can support research efforts aimed at refining and achieving agriculture’s long-term goals. A general rule is to avoid foods that have a very short shelf-life and have traveled a long way (many labels have the country of ‘origin’ which helps with this). Regardless of where you get your beef or lamb from, substituting with chicken and pork is likely to reduce your carbon footprint. This 25 kgCO2eq figure represents the median emissions from beef production. Combined, land use and farm-stage emissions account for more than 80% of the footprint for most foods. Roughly one-quarter of world’s food calories are lost or wasted between field and fork. Eating less meat, or switching to lower impact meats such as chicken, eggs or pork is the most effective way for individuals to reduce their dietary footprint. More specifically, 0.023 kilograms of carbon dioxide-equivalents (CO2eq) per tonne-kilometer by sea, versus 1.13 kilograms CO2eq by air. This means food for direct human consumption is equal to 6% (land use change) + 2% cultivated soils = 8%Livestock is equal to 12% (land use change) + 2% savannah burning + 2% cultivated soils = 16%. Hospido, A., i Canals, L. M., McLaren, S., Truninger, M., Edwards-Jones, G., & Clift, R. (2009). While it might make sense intuitively – after all, transport does lead to emissions – it is one of the most misguided pieces of advice. Most of this increase was driven by developing countries. Shipping one kilogram of avocados from Mexico to the United Kingdom would generate 0.21kg CO2eq in transport emissions.24 This is only around 8% of avocados’ total footprint.25 Even when shipped at great distances, its emissions are much less than locally-produced animal products. Regardless of whether you compare the footprint of foods in terms of their weight (e.g. This is because there are large differences in the intensity and practices used in ruminant livestock, and fish farming across the world. The state of the world’s land and water resources for food and agriculture (SOLAW) – Managing systems at risk. These are shown by category in the visualization: Livestock & fisheries account for 31% of food emissions. With our lower food demand projections in mind, there is an opportunity to start providing incentives for farming practices that keep soils covered with living plants year-round, store more carbon in the soil and prevent nutrients from entering waterways. But a lot comes from the large variations in footprint for specific products. 2012. This means livestock. Just as important, it can begin transforming farm subsidy, crop insurance and conservation programs to help farmers make changes on the ground. The role of seasonality in lettuce consumption: a case study of environmental and social aspects.