Unequal distribution of GHG emissions from global food consumption: Understanding drivers, inequalities, and mitigation potentials of GHG emissions throughout global food supply chains

The global food supply chain contributes substantially to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, yet most existing studies focus primarily on emissions from production, often overlooking the uneven distribution of consumption-driven emissions. This research examines the role of food consumption in global GHG emissions, focusing on the distribution of emissions across regions, countries, and population groups. A comprehensive framework is developed to track consumption-based emissions across food supply chains, considering emissions from production to consumption. The study identifies long-term trends in GHG emissions from global food consumption, emphasizing the influence of international trade and dietary patterns. It also investigates inequalities in dietary emissions, particularly among different demographic groups, and evaluates the potential for mitigating emissions through dietary changes. The findings provide valuable insights into how food consumption shapes climate change and propose strategies to reduce emissions through consumption-based approaches.