Global database reveals why no two cities' food emissions look the same
Switching to a more sustainable diet could halve food-related emissions in cities such as Amsterdam, while in cities such as Dhaka and Delhi, the focus should be more on making food production more sustainable as they widen food access. A new database by Leiden researchers shows that different cities need different approaches to achieve a more sustainable food system.
A new global database created by Leiden researchers has revealed that no two cities' food emissions are the same. The study, published in Environmental Research Letters, analyzed the climate impact of dietary patterns in 12,228 cities across 159 countries. The findings show that the world's 200 largest cities account for nearly half of all urban food-related emissions. However, the drivers behind these emissions vary greatly from city to city.
In wealthier cities, adopting a more sustainable diet, such as the EAT-Lancet diet, can significantly reduce food-related emissions. For instance, in Amsterdam, switching to this diet could lower emissions by 45% to 50%. The researchers attribute this to the relatively efficient food supply chains in such cities. Eating less meat is a key strategy for achieving these reductions.
However, the situation is different in lower-income cities like Dhaka and Delhi. Following the same dietary pattern in these cities could actually increase emissions, as people in these areas already consume fewer animal-based products. In these cases, the focus should be on making food production more sustainable while expanding access to nutritious food.
The researchers identified four types of cities that require different approaches to achieve a more sustainable food system. While dietary patterns explain around 48% of the differences in emissions between the studied cities, the efficiency of the food supply chain accounts for another 48%. Demographic factors, such as the age structure of the population, explain the remaining 4%.
The team also developed the MATILDA-City online platform to help cities better understand their own situation. This platform shows which foods and consumer groups have the greatest impact on emissions, as well as whether people are consuming enough healthy foods. Cities can use this information to compare their situation with other cities and identify the most effective measures to reduce their food-related emissions.
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