The LiveWell for low impact food in Europe (LIFE) project was launched with a policy debate in Brussels on 28 February 2012. Stakeholders learned that the food sector represents 20% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and that systemic changes throughout the food chain could improve both nutritional outcomes as well as cutting CO2 emissions. Stabilisation of the climate is feasible using existing technology and behavioural change in the key area of food consumption would facilitate societal transition. The European Commission, Co-funder through the LIFE facility, welcomed the high outreach potential of the project.
Exactly 40 years ago, the Club of Rome published their report on the limits to growth. This challenge still stands – how the earth can accommodate the expected 10 billion people by 2050. The food-water-energy nexus are the building blocks of life on the planet and they have to be in balance. Currently there is a global over-use of planetary resources of 50%, in Europe alone our consumption would require 3 planets. To get back in balance we have made changes and food, which accounts for 25% of European footprint, is a good place to start
Tony Long, WWF European Policy Office