UK Food System GHG Emissions

Food systems are major contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, both in the UK and around the world, accounting for around one-third of total emissions. That means that stakeholders within those systems – stakeholders who together make up the food and drink sector – have a critical role to play in tackling climate change and ensuring a net zero future.

This new research is the most up-to-date and comprehensive analysis of GHG emissions linked to UK food and & drink production and consumption. The reports also set out the scale of GHG emissions reductions that could come from different types of interventions, such as eliminating deforestation from supply chains, decarbonising energy, decarbonising transport and preventing food waste. These actions will contribute towards existing national and global targets including the Courtauld Commitment 2030 and the NFU’s target of zero emissions for UK farming by 2040.

Getting to a 50% reduction in emissions from the UK food system won’t be easy. The scale of the challenge is significant, and the need to act is becoming increasingly urgent. We need to act in a concerted way if we are to succeed. But already, organisations across the UK food system have shown their commitment and willingness to collaborate, by signing up to the Commitment Courtauld 2030 target.