The global food system currently emits between a quarter and a third of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. But with new technology, waste reduction, and dietary changes, the food system could achieve net-zero emissions — or even become a carbon sink.
A new analysis suggests that with full implementation of technology, food system management, and diet changes, it would be theoretically possible to sequester up to 33 gigatons of carbon each year in the food system. More realistically, a world in which half of the population adopted a flexitarian, plant-based diet, half of producers adopted eco-friendly technology, and food waste was cut in half would lead to a food system that emits no carbon dioxide.
Given the complexity of the food system, these changes are unlikely to happen rapidly, but the new study gives a sense of what levers are available to push and pull, says Maya Almaraz, a biogeochemist at Princeton Univ.
“There is a lot of potential in this area, and we are not currently making significant progress,” Almaraz says.
The food system comprises everything from agriculture to animal husbandry to distribution, recycling, and disposal of food waste and resources used to grow food. Livestock are particularly emissions-heavy, both because they emit methane and because their food production, processing, and...
Would you like to access the complete CEP News Update?
No problem. You just have to complete the following steps.
You have completed 0 of 2 steps.
-
Log in
You must be logged in to view this content. Log in now.
-
AIChE Membership
You must be an AIChE member to view this article. Join now.
Copyright Permissions
Would you like to reuse content from CEP Magazine? It’s easy to request permission to reuse content. Simply click here to connect instantly to licensing services, where you can choose from a list of options regarding how you would like to reuse the desired content and complete the transaction.
