Food Sector: Pathways to Decarbonization

Transforming the global food system for a sustainable future

The Challenge

The food system accounts for 25% of global CO₂ emissions, 44% of methane, and 80% of nitrogen emissions

🌍 Global Impact

Food production must expand by 50% by 2050 to feed 8+ billion people, yet current methods are unsustainable

💼 Economic Significance

Food produces 12% of global GDP and provides over 40% of global jobs

🎯 Net-Positive Potential

Unlike other sectors, food can become net-positive by achieving net-zero and acting as a carbon sink

Decarbonization Strategies

1

Carbon Sequestration

Soil treatment, agroforestry, and organic matter management to store carbon

2

Land-Use Change

Increasing yields and rehabilitating land to reduce agricultural expansion

3

Precision Farming

Smart packaging, demand forecasting, and biological crop protection

4

Shifting Diets

Promoting plant-based proteins and sustainable food choices

5

Waste Reduction

Reducing the 30% of food that ends up as waste through circular economies

6

Energy Shift

Renewable energy for production and biogas from waste

Call to Action

System Collaboration

The entire food ecosystem must transform together with digital platforms and new coalitions driving sustainable production

Transparency & Metrics

Common sustainability labeling, life cycle assessments, and carbon impact monitoring

Green Skills

New knowledge in green tech, digital solutions, AI, and ecosystem management

Potential Impact

Greenhouse gas emissions from food production could be reduced by 90% in the near-to-medium term