Publications

Estimating greenhouse gas emissions from food consumption: methods and results

25 February 2019 - Climate Report - By : Claudine FOUCHEROT / Lucile ROGISSART

A large share of global greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions comes from food production and consumption. Measuring the total footprint of world diets remains however a challenge. The main reason is the lack of harmonization on consumption based emission accounting methods. While a few estimates are available, their results are often hardly comparable, may be rather different and sometimes contradictory.

In this study “Estimating greenhouse gas emissions from food consumption: methods and results”, I4CE presents the range of consumption based emission accounting methods, their benefits or limits, and their results.

By combining existing studies, we estimate that GHG emissions from food consumption in 2010 were around 13,8 GtCO2e (± 3,6 GteqCO2), i.e. 28% of global emissions, all sectors combined. Around 75% of GHG are emitted during the production phase, 15% between the farm gate and the retail store, and 10% after retail.

Animal products (excl. marine products) are responsible for 63% of total food emissions. Ruminant animals (cattle, goats and lamb) represent the essential part of this amount.

Comparison of GHG emissions from total food vs. animal products only

Estimating greenhouse gas emissions from food consumption: methods and results Download
I4CE Contacts
Claudine FOUCHEROT
Claudine FOUCHEROT
Program Director – Agriculture and Forestry Email
Lucile ROGISSART
Lucile ROGISSART
Project Manager – Agriculture and food and Public finance Email
To learn more
  • 03/03/2023 Foreword of the week
    World Bank’s reform: almost a new pilot onboard

    After the sudden resignation of David Malpass, the World Bank’s Trump-appointed President, mid-February, Washington surprised the world again last Thursday, with the nomination of Ajay Banga, long-time Mastercard CEO, as his potential successor. Not only was the timing very rapid, but the controversial profile of the nominee also generated some sense of puzzlement. His limited […]

  • 03/01/2023
    Supporting financial institutions in developing countries in their alignment journey with climate goals

    This report co-written with NewClimate provides practical guidance for international financial institutions to support financial institutions’ alignment with the Paris Agreement goals, and to more broadly contribute to transforming local financial systems. This guidance is developed around three pillars: a harmonised alignment assessment; the alignment of financial intermediaries; and the alignment of financial systems at the national level.

  • 02/17/2023 Foreword of the week
    Climate transition plans for banks: European legislators on a razor’s edge

    The proposal for mandatory climate transition plans for banks is slowly making its way through the regulatory debate. Proposed by the European Commission and confirmed by the EU Council, this proposal has now also been taken up by the European Parliament. This obligation could be a game-changer for financial risk management and the alignment of financial flows with the transition to a low-carbon economy. It could lead banks to limit their activities in climate-damaging activities, adjust their business models, review their strategies as well as their governance and risk management procedures.

See all publications
Press contact Amélie FRITZ Head of Communication and press relations Email
Subscribe to our mailing list :
I register !
Subscribe to our newsletter
Once a week, receive all the information on climate economics
I register !
Fermer