Food systems and climate change
Emissions from food, climate risks to farming, and practical responses.
Food systems account for roughly a quarter to a third of global greenhouse gas emissions when land-use change, farming, processing, transport, refrigeration and waste are included.
Main sources
- Deforestation and land conversion
- Methane from ruminants and rice
- Nitrous oxide from fertilisers
- Energy and refrigerants in processing and cold chains
- Methane from wasted food in landfill
Adaptation
Farmers face heat, drought, floods and shifting pests. Diverse rotations, healthy soils, water storage, drought-tolerant varieties and crop insurance reform help.
Mitigation with co-benefits
Cutting food waste, improving nitrogen efficiency, reducing deforestation, efficient refrigeration and shifting diets towards more plants deliver climate gains alongside health and cost benefits.