By analyzing existing literature, we determine the most relevant environmental impacts. Since the database in Germany is incomplete, we primarily use databases from other countries. We hold workshops in all participating countries (Germany, Paraguay, South Africa, Thailand) because different conditions create different priorities in each country.
Methods
Possible categories include greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity, water consumption, and land use. We are reviewing whether these are the most relevant categories and how we should best present the calculations to companies and consumers. To make sure many will use it.
Life cycle analyses are utilised in all four countries to estimate the environmental impacts of food (so called life cycle assessments). Our calculations are based on the life cycle assessment DIN standards 14040 and 14044. These values are then scaled up to general average values applying environmental impact assessment methods.
When our calculations are complete, all relevant categories have been agreed upon, and our exchange with consumers has led to clear ways of presenting the data, then we will publish the first prototype of our tool. With this tool, the results will be available to companies and consumers on a day-to-day basis.
The five dimensions of the Impacts of Food project
The social and environmental impacts associated with our food consumption are often underestimated.
Land use
Less land is available due to population growth and climate change. At the same time, agricultural land is expanding at the expense of unspoiled nature.
Social impact
Compliance with human rights, protection against health issues and adequate remuneration are minimum requirements, however, they are often not complied with.
Water
Food production is responsible for withdrawing about 70 percent of all freshwater used. Agriculture is also the biggest water polluter.
Greenhouse gas emissions
Between 21 and 37 percent of total global greenhouse gas emissions (IPCC 2020) are attributable to our food, from farm to fork.
Biodiversity
Although our food supply depends on the diversity of species, it is also considered the main driver of biodiversity loss: through land-use change, pollution and overexploitation of resources.
Want all facts at a quick glance?
All relevant information of this project has been clearly summarized and can be found here.
Our partners
WWF – World Wide Fund for Nature
corsus – corporate sustainability
TMG – Think Tank for Sustainability
Curious?
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