Food systems contribute up to nearly one third of global greenhouse gas emissions
In short: A review of environmental data found that food systems released between 9,800 and 16,900 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2008. This represents approximately 19% to 29% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, with agricultural production and land-use changes accounting for the vast majority of that total.
The review highlights how climate change is expected to impact agricultural yields, food prices, and food safety. While some strategies like reducing waste could help, the study notes that the impacts will be complex and heavily influenced by socioeconomic conditions, particularly leaving low-income populations more vulnerable to risks.
Why it matters: Understanding the link between food production and emissions is essential for managing future food security.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Research: Vermeulen et al. (2012). Climate Change and Food Systems. Annual Review of Environment and Resources.
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