Climate Action — Food

Issue Summary

Carbon footprint

Food production and consumption is responsible for 19-29 per cent of all human caused greenhouse gas emissions, up to 70 per cent of the freshwater use and, over 60 per cent of the terrestrial biodiversity loss, with animal-based foods being major contributors to these environment changes. (United Nations: PANEL ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND NUTRITION April 2017)

From 2010 UNEP Assessing the Environmental Impacts of Consumption and Production Priority Products and Materials Excerpt: A substantial reduction of impacts would only be possible with a substantial worldwide diet change, away from animal products.

Main contributors/problems

Dietary changes towards more animal-based diets and highly processed food can increase agriculture and food greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 per cent by 2050. (UN PANEL ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND NUTRITION April 2017)

What can we do personally / congregationally?

Eat meat-free meals; Buy organic & local; Don’t waste food; Grow your own food.

When planning meals, shopping or ordering in a restaurant, consider:

  • How low on the food chain is this?
  • How much energy goes in to producing it?
  • Is it grown organically?
  • How far did it travel to get to the store / table?

Let’s reduce over consumption of plastic and improve management of recyclable residues.

What is the end goal / solution?

Individually to help minimize food-related carbon footprint to achieve the scientifically recognized recommendations (i.e. 55% by 2030 …).

Governments should strengthen local food production; encourage diversification of crops to promote a healthy diet as well as well to increase resilience against climate change.

More traditional crops, that are generally more climate resistant and nutritious, are needed.

Food storage, sharing, and transportation need to be improved to reduce food waste.

Governments need to strengthen institutions, policies and programs and; develop and properly adopt international guidelines on healthy diets.

Websites/Links for more information?

BBC Food GHG Emissions Calculator https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-46459714

Canada Food Guide https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/canada-food-guide-unveil-1.4987261

  • First guideline is that a glass of water as the recommended “drink of choice.”
  • The second guideline covers foods and beverages that undermine healthy eating. Consuming foods or beverages with added sugars has been linked to an increased risk of weight gain, excess weight and Type 2 diabetes, according to the guide. It also notes health risks associated with alcohol consumption.
  • The third guideline in Canada’s revamped guide focuses on food skills such reminding people to be mindful of your eating habits and to eat meals together.

Here’s what food guides around the world look like (CBC News Article: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/canada-food-guide-international-guidelines-1.4962611 ). Most carry the same main messages:

  • Eat a variety of foods.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Get enough exercise.

From 2010 UNEP Assessing the Environmental Impacts of Consumption and Production Priority Products and Materials Excerpt: a substantial reduction of impacts would only be possible with a substantial worldwide diet change, away from animal products.

“The climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all. At the global level, it is a complex system linked to many of the essential conditions for human. A very solid scientific consensus indicates that we are presently witnessing a disturbing warming of the climatic system . . . Humanity is called to recognize the need for changes of lifestyle, production and consumption, in order to combat this warming or at least the human causes which produce or aggravate it.” [Pope Francis in Laudato si’ (§23)]

What on Earth is the Doughnut? https://www.kateraworth.com/doughnut/

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-action.html

Climate change: Where we are in seven charts and what you can do to help? https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-46384067

David Suzuki Foundation: Queen of Greens Articles on Food Climate Change

WNMC Contact People/Resources regarding Food

The flexitarian diet to feed 10bn people: https://www.bbc.com/news/health-46865204

Buy Local – Waterloo Region: http://croptouring.com/kitchener/

Oh She Glows Recipes: https://ohsheglows.com/categories/recipes-2/

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