Food-related greenhouse gas emissions could push Earth past global warming limits

Researchers say the only way to avert devastating levels of global warming would be to transform what we eat, how it is produced, and the amount we waste. Photo: AFP

Even if all fossil fuel emissions ended immediately, greenhouse gasses from the food we eat could drive global temperatures above internationally agreed warming limits, a new study has warned.

The system to feed Earth’s 7.7 billion people accounts for nearly a third of global total greenhouse gas emissions, including from land clearing and deforestation, fertiliser use and livestock.

Researchers in the United States and Britain said the only way to avert devastating levels of warming would be to transform what we eat, how it is produced, and the amount we waste.