Climate protection in food production

Climate protection in food production

The role of food production in global warming is a well -known topic that is getting more and more attention. Because the production of our food is essentially responsible for the steady increase in global CO2 emissions. The effects of industrial agriculture on the climate and the environment can hardly be underestimated. In this article we will therefore deal with the challenges and opportunities for climate protection in food production.

The challenge: climate impact of food production

The proportion of food production in CO2 emissions

From cultivation to processing to packaging and transportation, large amounts of greenhouse gases are released: According to the United Nations, the harvest and production of food causes around 25 percent of total CO2 emissions worldwide. This means that food production has a greater impact on climate change than most other economic sectors.

A large part of these emissions comes from animal husbandry. According to the World Food Organization (FAO), animal husbandry contributes 14.5 percent to global greenhouse gas emissions. Especially beef-based products are responsible for a significant part of these emissions, since methane is released in the digestion of the animals, a greenhouse gas with a 25-fold climate-damaging effect than CO2.

Land use change and deforestation

In addition to the direct emissions of greenhouse gases, food production also indirectly contributes to global warming. The upheaval of green spaces, forests and other natural habitats for agricultural purposes - mainly for the cultivation of animal feed - is significantly reduced by the natural ability of the earth to bind CO2. In addition, the expansion of agriculture often leads to increased deforestation, which releases CO2 again and the biodiversity suffers.

possibilities for climate protection in food production

In view of these challenges, it is necessary to develop and promote more climate -friendly methods of food production. In the following we present some of these options.

Sustainable agricultural methods

Agricultural ecological and regenerative agricultural methods can help reduce CO2 emissions and to protect biodiversity. These methods are based on the natural processes and aim to create a healthy ecosystem that houses plants, animals and microorganisms. By avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, the soil becomes healthier and can save more CO2.

Change of eating habits

Another effective method for reducing the climate -damaging effect of food production is to change our eating habits. A stronger focus on vegetable instead of animal foods can significantly reduce CO2 emissions, since the production of plant food generally causes less greenhouse gases than that of animal products.

reduction in food waste

A third, important field of action is to reduce food waste. Around a third of the food produced worldwide are wasted - and thus also the resources used for their production. These losses could be reduced by more efficient methods in production and in the distribution of food and by changing consumption behavior.

FAZIT

Food production is an important cause of greenhouse gas emissions and plays a central role in climate change. However, there are also many ways to reduce these effects and to make the production of our food more environmentally friendly. This includes more climate -friendly agricultural methods, taking into account herbal alternatives in our diet and reducing food waste. Each of us can help to start and support these changes, both through our personal behavior and through our decisions as a consumer or as part of society. Because in the end we all benefit from sustainable and climate -friendly food production - for a healthier environment and a future worth living.