Animal-based foods typically have a higher greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint compared with plant-based foods. Animal-based foods typically have a higher greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint compared with plant-based foods. A study of 38,700 farms and 1,600 processors, packaging types and retailers across 119 countries found that beef and mutton are some of the biggest emitters of carbon dioxide per kilogram of food products produced.

Producing one kilogram of beef releases close to 82kg of GHGs – 82% of the beef supply chain’s total emissions. Processing and transport make up less than one-fifth (18%) of total carbon emissions.

In contrast, some fruits and vegetables emit barely 1kg of GHGs per kilogram of food produced.

While eating local is beneficial, the food choices you make can have an even greater impact on reducing emissions.