Today is World Food Day, currently our unsustainable food systems are one of the main drivers of nature’s decline. Florence Blondel, our Content and Campaigns Specials reviews the impact of our food systems on the planet.

“Food production is one of the main drivers of nature’s decline: it’s the leading cause of habitat loss, accounts for 70% of water use and is responsible for over a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions.”

Living Planet Report 2024

THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF OUR FOOD SYSTEMS

The latest Living Planet 2024 report reaffirms what we at Population Matters have long recognized: food systems are central to many environmental challenges, significantly driving habitat destruction, resource depletion, and climate change.

Currently, 40% of all habitable land—approximately 4.2 billion hectares—is used for food production. Of that, 71% (about 3 billion hectares) is dedicated to livestock grazing, with another 1.2 billion hectares for growing crops. Additionally, 460 million hectares are used to cultivate feed for livestock, meaning that 82% of all agricultural land is focused on sustaining livestock for meat, dairy, and poultry production.

This highlights the immense environmental footprint of our food systems, particularly those centered on animal agriculture.

MORE FOOD FOR US: MORE SPECIES EXTINCTIONS

According to the Living Planet Report 2024, habitat loss driven by agriculture threatens over 80% of all endangered terrestrial bird and mammal species. Overfishing is the primary cause of biodiversity loss in marine ecosystems. Industrial fishing now covers more than half of the ocean, with most activity concentrated in shallow coastal zones, leading to increased habitat degradation and further risks to threatened species.

Additionally, more than 3 million hectares of mangroves and coastal habitats have been converted for aquaculture, particularly for shrimp and tilapia farming.

The loss of wildlife poses a direct threat to food systems. The near extinction of key pollinators, for example, jeopardizes 5–8% of agricultural production, valued at US$235–577 billion annually.

Unsustainable and UNFAIR

Despite large-scale food production, over 735 million people still go to bed hungry each night, while obesity rates continue to rise. It’s clear that the global food system is failing to meet the needs of both people and the planet. This disconnect between food production and environmental sustainability raises concerns about our ability to feed a growing global population whilst protecting biodiversity and maintaining a stable climate.

In 2019, the EAT-Lancet Commission concluded that a “Great Food Transformation”—involving profound changes in diet and food production—could sustainably feed a global population of 10 billion. However, they warned that feeding humanity without causing devastating environmental damage becomes “increasingly unlikely” if the population exceeds 10 billion.

Nature is being increasingly managed and harvested to keep pace with rising global demands for food, water, energy, timber, and more.

Living Planet Report 2024

UN demographers project that by 2100, the global population will range between 9 billion and 11.4 billion, thus surpassing the 10 billion cut-off for sustainable food production. The World Resources Institute (WRI) estimates that the world will need to close a 56% food gap by 2050, increasing food production from 13,100 trillion calories to 20,500 trillion calories.

Expected population growth of 2.8 billion people between 2010 and 2050 drives the majority of the increase in food demand.

World Resources Institute – Creating A Sustainable Food Future 2018

Action for the future

The Living Planet Report 2024 highlights that transitioning to a nature-positive food system is not just an environmental necessity but a moral one. To achieve this, we must focus on several key areas:

• We need to optimize crop yields and livestock productivity while preventing further degradation of ecosystems. Sustainable farming practices that enhance soil health and protect biodiversity are essential to ensure long-term food security without harming the environment.
• Encouraging plant-based diets in high-income nations while addressing undernutrition in low-income regions is critical. Shifting dietary preferences to reduce the consumption of resource-intensive animal products can significantly lessen the pressure on ecosystems.
• With 30-40% of all food produced being wasted, addressing this inefficiency is crucial. Reducing food waste at every stage of the supply chain—from farm to table—can help alleviate the strain on both food systems and the environment.
• Redirecting harmful subsidies toward sustainable agricultural practices is vital. Instead of supporting practices that degrade ecosystems, financial incentives should prioritize regenerative agriculture, conservation, and biodiversity-friendly methods.

ADDRESSING THE ROOT CAUSES OF NATURE DEGRADATION

As the Living Planet Report 2024 states, none of these solutions will be successful unless we address the root causes of nature degradation, which include:

• Consumption and production patterns
• Human population dynamics and trends
• Trade and technological innovations
• Inadequate local and global governance

Yet, despite identifying human population dynamics as a root cause, the report offers no solutions for addressing them.

Incorporating population growth into the conversation around food systems is essential. With the global population surpassing 8 billion, the pressures on food production and natural resources will only grow.

Sustainable population solutions, through family planning and education, must be part of the solution to ease the strain on food systems and create a more balanced relationship between people and the planet.

For a sustainable future, transforming food systems must go hand-in-hand with addressing the drivers of population growth, particularly in regions where food insecurity and environmental degradation intersect.