In recent years, attention has focused on the affect of “food miles” on the Earth’s atmosphere. However, there is a growing recognition that simply measuring the distance food is transported does not provide an accurate picture of its carbon emissions, or of the natural resources the food industry consumes. Determining food’s environmental impact, say experts, will require broader assessments.
Meat production is particularly damaging. According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, if emissions from land use are included, livestock – which occupies more than 30 per cent of the planet – generate more greenhouse gas than global transport.
