Beyond Emissions: Agrifood's Green Future
December 2023
London School of Economics (LSE)

Introduction
Dive into the heart of agrifood systems with this eye-opening piece from the London School of Economics! Discover why simply cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions isn't enough for a truly green transition. With the global population soaring to 10 billion by 2050, learn how adopting a holistic approach to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors is crucial. This article isn't just food for thought—it's a call to action for a sustainable future. Ready to chew on some serious food system facts?
READ FULL ARTICLEWhy It Matters
Discover how this topic shapes your world and future
Nourishing the Future - A Green Revolution in Our Fields
Imagine a world where every bite of food you eat not only tastes good but also does good for the planet and the people who grow it. That's the dream behind a "just transition" in agrifood systems to a green economy. This isn't just about farming without harming the environment; it's about ensuring that everyone involved, from the farmers to the consumers, benefits fairly. The challenge is huge, with agrifood systems covering nearly one-third of the Earth's surface, employing over 1.3 billion people, and contributing trillions to the global economy. Yet, today's focus on producing more food at the expense of our planet and society is not sustainable. As the world looks to COP28 for solutions, the shift to a green economy in agrifood is not just a choice but a necessity for our shared future. This matters to you because the food you eat, the air you breathe, and the world you'll inherit are all shaped by these decisions.
Speak like a Scholar

Just transition
A fair shift to a sustainable economy that considers the well-being of all stakeholders, including workers and communities.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
Gases released into the atmosphere from activities like farming, which contribute to global warming.

ESG indicators
Environmental, social, and governance factors used to measure the sustainability and ethical impact of an investment or business.

Regenerative agriculture
Farming practices that restore the health of the soil, enhance biodiversity, and increase carbon capture.

Carbon offsets
Investments in environmental projects to compensate for GHG emissions produced elsewhere.

Sustainable intensification
Increasing food production from existing farmland in a way that has less impact on the environment.
Independent Research Ideas

The role of smallholder farms in global food security
Investigate how small farms contribute to feeding the world and how they can thrive in a green economy.

Comparing carbon footprints
Analyze the carbon footprint of different farming practices, from traditional to regenerative, and their impact on climate change.

The economics of ecosystems in agrifood
Explore how ecosystem services like pollination can be valued and incorporated into the agrifood economy.

Social equity in agrifood systems
Examine the social dimensions of agrifood systems, focusing on workers' rights, community impacts, and equitable access to resources.

Policy pathways for a green agrifood transition
Design a policy framework that supports a just transition in agrifood, ensuring environmental sustainability and social equity.
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