Food

• •The UK imports about 40% of its food. This increases people’s carbon footprint.

  •There is growing demand for greater choice of exotic foods needed all year round.

  •Foods from abroad are more affordable.

  •Many food types are unsuitable to be grown in the UK.
• •Increasingly, consumers want fresh produce that has been transported over long distances.

  •This means that there is an increasing reliance on air freighting.

  •Air freighting uses large amounts of fossil fuels which contributes to climate change.
• •Agricultural production can have negative impacts on local ecosystems. For example, deforestation or drainage of wetlands may occur as land is cleared for farming.

  •Pesticides used by farmers can pollute waterways and harm wildlife.

  •Livestock farming produces methane emissions (a potent greenhouse gas).
• •Intensive agriculture often involves monoculture – where one crop is grown repeatedly in the same area. This reduces soil fertility and makes crops vulnerable to pests and diseases.

  •Soil erosion occurs when topsoil is removed faster than it can be replaced. Soil erodes due to wind and rainfall. It leads to loss of nutrients and reduced productivity.
• •Agricultural production can have negative impacts on local ecosystems. For example, deforestation or drainage of wetlands may occur as farmers clear land for crops.

  •Pesticides used by farmers can pollute waterways and harm wildlife.

  •Livestock farming produces methane emissions (a potent greenhouse gas).
• Foods can travel long distances (food miles) eg from Kenya, adding to our carbon footprint. 

  + Supports workers with an income

  + Supports families in LICs

  + Taxes from farmers’ incomes contribute to local services in LICs

  -Less land for locals in LICs like Kenya to grow their own food

  -Farmers exposed to chemicals