Food and the environment

The food system impacts on the environment in many different ways. 

It is estimated that the food system as a whole, including food production, distribution, consumption and waste, contributes around a third of global greenhouse gas emissions. This causes global climate change, which is one of the biggest risks to future food production globally.

The use of chemicals in agriculture harms insect populations and reduces biodiversity, which will affect future food production. Chemicals and/or animal faeces from farms and food production sites can pollute rivers and water courses, harming fish and other aquatic life. Certain fertilisers used in food production cause air pollution which can be damaging to nature and to human health.

There is, however, increasing interest in more environmentally friendly approaches to food production and agriculture, with recognition of the important role that food producers play in building a more sustainable food system.

It is estimated that nearly a third of food produced is wasted. This means that all the resources used to produce that food are wasted. Additionally, the process of food biodegradation/rotting produces greenhouse gases. Some surplus food can be intercepted before its quality deteriorates and there are a range of organisations that seek to redistribute surplus food of acceptable quality to low-income households via local community organisations.