Almost a third of global greenhouse gas emissions can be linked to our food systems. Food production, distribution, retail, consumption and waste are significant drivers of both climate change and biodiversity loss, which in turn threaten food security by compromising our ability to sustainably produce sufficient, nutritious food for all.   

Erratic weather conditions due to climate breakdown make it harder to grow crops successfully as seasonal growing conditions become more unpredictable and less conducive to growing certain plants where they once would have thrived.  

Vital ecosystem services including pollination of crops by pollinating insects and decomposition of organic waste by worms and microbial organisms are continually undermined by the excessive application of chemical pesticides and artificial fertilisers, with biodiversity facing ongoing critical declines around the world.  

This all undermines the sustainability of an industrialised and international food system designed with continuous production and maximum profits in mind, as it disrupts food production, impacts supply chains, increases market prices and threatens global food security.  

It may be unrealistic to expect a sudden shift to food self-sufficiency for individuals and communities or any immediate reduction in the significant greenhouse gas emissions associated with the various aspects of our current food system. A more sustainable and equitable food system that prioritises the environment, people’s health and wellbeing and a healthy planet would benefit everyone.