3. Food and drink

The document proposes a food-related carbon target for individuals in the UK, focusing on the adoption of vegan or near-vegan diets, the reduction of food waste, and the avoidance of high-emission foods such as air-freighted produce, greenhouse-grown crops, and products linked to deforestation. Adhering to these measures is estimated to result in average emissions of 0.9 tCO2e per capita per year.

• A dietary package consisting of minimal consumption of animal-based foods, air-freighted or heated greenhouse foods, food waste, and foods contributing to deforestation would result in average emissions of 0.9 tCO2e per capita per year in the UK.
• Following a 100% plant-based (vegan) diet in the UK that also avoids other high-carbon foods is estimated to emit 1.15 tCO2e per year.
• Reducing food waste from average levels to near zero can save approximately 0.25 tCO2e per capita per year.
• Beef, palm oil, and soya are identified as the foods most responsible for deforestation, with most soya used as animal feed.
• Maximizing the consumption of locally grown fruit and vegetables, particularly from allotments, may provide an additional emission reduction of up to 0.1 tCO2e beyond the target.

APA

Scientists for Global Responsibility (n.d.). 3. Food and drink. https://www.sgr.org.uk/living-targets/3-food-and-drink

Chicago

Scientists for Global Responsibility. 3. Food and drink. n.d. https://www.sgr.org.uk/living-targets/3-food-and-drink.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Scientists for Global Responsibility |title=3. Food and drink |url=https://www.sgr.org.uk/living-targets/3-food-and-drink |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{scientistsforglobalresponsibilityndfood, author = {{Scientists for Global Responsibility}}, title = {{3. Food and drink}}, institution = {Scientists for Global Responsibility}, url = {https://www.sgr.org.uk/living-targets/3-food-and-drink}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }