A new study published in Nature Climate Change has found that the global food system could be a major contributor to exceeding the 1.5-degree Celsius temperature target set by the Paris Agreement. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Oxford, found that the food system is responsible for up to 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and that if current trends continue, the food system could be responsible for up to 60% of global emissions by 2050.
The study also found that the global food system is responsible for a significant amount of land-use change, which has a direct impact on the climate. Land-use change, such as deforestation and agricultural expansion, can lead to increased emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The study found that if current trends continue, land-use change could be responsible for up to 30% of global emissions by 2050.
The researchers also found that the global food system is highly inefficient, with up to 40% of food produced being wasted. This waste contributes to emissions, and if current trends continue, food waste could be responsible for up to 10% of global emissions by 2050.
The study highlights the need for urgent action to reduce emissions from the global food system. The researchers suggest that reducing food waste, improving agricultural practices, and shifting diets towards plant-based foods could help reduce emissions from the food system. They also suggest that policy makers should focus on reducing emissions from land-use change, as this is a major source of emissions from the food system.
The findings of this study are a stark reminder that the global food system needs to be addressed if we are to meet the temperature targets set by the Paris Agreement. Reducing emissions from the food system is essential if we are to avoid dangerous levels of climate change in the future.
- SEO Powered Content & PR Distribution. Get Amplified Today.
- Platoblockchain. Web3 Metaverse Intelligence. Knowledge Amplified. Access Here.
- Source: Plato Data Intelligence: PlatoAiStream