Every meal we eat has a carbon footprint - the total amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) released during the production, processing, and transport of food. These emissions, mainly in the form of carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O), contribute to climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere.
Where do the emissions come from?
Food production is a major source of global emissions, and different foods have very different carbon footprints. Here’s where emissions can come from:
Farming & land use 🌾 - growing food requires land, water, fertilisers, and energy. Some ingredients, like beef and dairy, have a much higher footprint due to deforestation and methane emissions from livestock.
Processing & packaging 🏭 - turning raw ingredients into ready-to-eat products requires factories, machinery, and energy, while packaging materials also contribute to emissions.
Transportation & Storage 🚛 - food is often transported locally or internationally, and keeping it refrigerated during transit adds to its carbon footprint.
What is the impact?
⚡ Around one-third of global emissions come from food - more than the direct emissions from transport!
* Crippa et al (2019)
⚡ Some foods have a much higher footprint than others - beef can have 10x more emissions than lentils!
* Poore & Nemecek (2018)
⚡ Small changes in food choices can have a huge impact on reducing emissions.
By understanding food carbon emissions, universities can make informed decisions about purchasing, menus, and ingredient choices, leading to a lower environmental impact.