FOOD SYSTEM DATA
Food System Data is designed to deliver the most credible figures around the food system, food system change, and the transition towards plant-rich diets. We compiled data sheets based on the latest evidence to showcase the impacts of diets on the environment, animals, and health and to give insights in current developments and emerging opportunities.
Soya and the environment
Soya is a protein-rich crop with a relatively small environmental footprint when consumed directly by humans in foods like tofu or soya milk. However, the vast majority of soya grown today is used to feed farmed animals. Because raising animals for meat is inherently inefficient – requiring large amounts of feed to produce relatively small amounts of food – enormous quantities of soya are consumed by farmed animals. This heavy demand driven by animal agriculture contributes significantly to environmental degradation.
30 June 2025
Food security
Food and nutrition security depends on resilient food systems that can withstand climate change, and market disruptions. Shifting towards plant-rich diets and diverse crop production enhances sustainability and global food availability. These strategies also help protect public health and the environment while ensuring long-term access to safe, nutritious food.
24 June 2025
The role of food systems in methane emissions
Food Systems – particularly agriculture and the production of animal-based foods –are a major source of methane emissions. Methane (CH4) is a greenhouse gas that is many times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO₂). Our dietary choices can significantly influence these emissions. By reducing methane emissions, we not only lower the overall release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, but we may also be able to mitigate some aspects of global warming.
23 May 2025
Water use
Water is essential for life on Earth and plays a crucial role in food production. Agriculture relies heavily on water availability, which means that how we produce food has a direct impact on our water resources – especially in regions that are water scarce. This makes effective water-management strategies essential to ensuring sustainable access to water.
2 April 2025
Nutritional assessment of plant-based meat alternatives
Nutritionists and climate experts are warning of the consequences of high levels of animal-based food consumption in high- and middle-income countries. As a result, a shift towards more plant-rich eating patterns is increasingly recommended. If followed consistently, such a diet can reduce the risk of many lifestyle diseases and, at the same time, help combat climate change and biodiversity loss.
28 November 2024
Food system and dietary emissions
Food production accounts for a significant share of total and of national greenhouse gas emissions. Shifting towards plant-based diets is one of the most effective ways to reduce emissions and combat climate change…
18 November 2024
Environmental impacts of meat alternatives
The food we choose can have a significant impact on the environment. Numerous studies have shown that plant-based foods and alternatives to animal-based products can reduce climate impact by up to 90%, compared to animal-based foods…
22 October 2024
Biodiversity
The current rate of extinction is tens to hundreds of times higher than the average over the past 10 million years. The earth is currently undergoing its sixth mass extinction as a result of human activity.
15 October 2024
Climate Change
The global food system is a significant driver of climate change. Animal agriculture contributes a large portion of greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). A food system transformation that reduces reliance on animal agriculture will cut emissions and free up land that can be used for carbon sequestration…
9 May 2024