Regan Brown
Fossil fuels are entrenched in the global food system, with food production, transport, and storage accounting for at least 15% of all fossil fuel use annually, according to research by the Global Alliance for the Future of Food and Dalberg Advisors. This equates to 4.6 gigatonnes of CO2 emissions, more than the combined emissions of all EU countries and Russia. The food system's reliance on fossil fuels dates back to the early 1900s with the introduction of technology and chemical inputs in agriculture, such as fertilisers, pesticides, and fossil fuel-powered machinery. Today, the global food system continues to depend on fossil fuels at every stage, from input production and agricultural processes to processing, packaging, retail, and consumer waste. As supply chains lengthen and the demand for processed foods rises, the energy intensity of the food system increases, driving up fossil fuel use and emissions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of fossil fuels used for food production | 15% |
| Food systems' contribution to global emissions | At least as much as all EU countries and Russia combined |
| Food systems' contribution to global fossil fuel use | 4.6 Gigatonnes CO2-equivalent |
| Percentage of fossil fuel used in the processing and packaging stage | 42% |
| Percentage of fossil fuel used in retail, consumption, and waste | 38% |
| Percentage of fossil fuel used in land use and agricultural production | 15% |
| Percentage of fossil fuel used in food systems that could be reduced by transitioning to renewable energy | 20% |
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What You'll Learn
Fossil fuels used in food production, transport and storage
Fossil fuels are used extensively in food production, transport, and storage, and the food system is highly dependent on fossil fuels. Food systems account for at least 15% of global fossil fuel use annually, or 4.6 gigatonnes of CO2-equivalent, which is more than the emissions of all EU countries and Russia combined. This figure is expected to increase unless drastic measures are taken to reduce the link between food and fossil fuels.
In food production, fossil fuels are used to power machinery, equipment, and irrigation pumps, as well as to produce fertilizers and pesticides. The manufacturing of fertilizers is the most energy-intensive and fossil fuel-dependent stage in this process. Fossil fuels are also used for food packaging and processing, with ultra-processed foods being far more energy-intensive than unprocessed foods. For example, ultra-processed strawberry yoghurt is 10 times more energy-intensive than unprocessed milk. The growing demand for processed foods, meat, dairy, and alternative proteins is increasing the energy intensity of food production.
Transporting food also consumes a significant amount of fossil fuels, and the distance that food travels has increased by a quarter over the last two decades, escalating emissions. Finally, fossil fuels are used for food storage, particularly in the form of refrigeration, both during the supply chain and at the consumer level.
The dependence of the food system on fossil fuels has severe consequences for the environment, contributing significantly to climate change. To prevent catastrophic climate breakdown, it is crucial to transition to renewable energy sources and adopt sustainable farming practices. This includes reducing the use of energy-intensive equipment, promoting agroecology, and regenerative agriculture and decreasing the demand for ultra-processed foods.
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Fossil fuel use in food packaging
Fossil fuels are deeply embedded in the global food system, and their use is increasing. Food systems currently account for at least 15% of global fossil fuel use annually, which is as many emissions as all EU countries and Russia combined. This figure is expected to grow, as the food system becomes more globalised, requiring more fuel for transportation and stricter processing requirements.
The processing and packaging stage is the most energy-intensive component of the food system, accounting for 42% of fossil fuel consumption. This stage is particularly fossil fuel-intensive due to its reliance on energy-intensive processes such as refrigeration, transport, and packaging manufacturing.
The production of plastics for packaging is a significant contributor to fossil fuel use. Plastics manufacturing is responsible for a large amount of greenhouse gas emissions, and the majority of food packaging is made of rigid plastic. While some newer plastics are made from corn and other plant matter, most are derived from petroleum and include additives like polymers. The use of plastic packaging is also environmentally detrimental, as it often ends up in waterways and the ocean, leading to pollution and negative consequences for aquatic life.
The production of inputs, such as fertilisers, pesticides, and plastics, accounts for around 5% of fossil fuel use in the food system. The manufacturing of fertilisers is energy-intensive, particularly the production of synthetic nitrogen, which requires high temperatures and pressures. The use of nitrogen fertilisers could increase by 50% by 2050, further driving up fossil fuel consumption.
Addressing fossil fuel dependency in the food system is crucial for mitigating climate change and building resilience in supply chains. Transforming food production and consumption patterns could significantly reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and help meet the targets set by the Paris Agreement.
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Fossil fuels in food waste
Fossil fuels are deeply embedded in the global food system, from farm to table, and are a significant contributor to climate change. Food systems account for at least 15% of all fossil fuels burned globally, driving emissions at least as high as all EU countries and Russia combined. This includes the production, transport, and storage of food, as well as the manufacturing of fertilizers, pesticides, and plastics used in food packaging.
The use of fossil fuels in food production and processing is a critical issue. Fossil fuel-based fertilizers, pesticides, and hydrocarbon-fuelled irrigation systems have increased crop yields, but they have also entrenched the food system's dependence on fossil fuels. The manufacturing of fertilizers is the most energy-intensive and fossil fuel-dependent stage of food production. Additionally, the processing and packaging stages, which include warehousing, plastic production, transport, refrigeration, and processing of ultra-processed foods, account for around 42% of fossil fuel use in the food system. As supply chains lengthen and the demand for processed and packaged food increases, this stage is expected to see a rise in fossil fuel consumption.
Retail, consumption, and waste, including food waste, cooking, transport, and embedded plastics, account for around 38% of fossil fuel use in the food system. In high-income countries, the energy intensity of retail is particularly high due to the prevalence of refrigerated containers and factory-processed food. The shift towards consuming seasonal crops year-round has also lengthened supply chains, requiring more energy for transportation and escalating emissions.
To meet the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, it is essential to move away from fossil fuels in the food system. This includes adopting renewable energy sources, electrifying transport, and transforming agricultural practices. By 2050, our food should require zero calories of fossil fuel for every calorie of food consumed. This transition will not only mitigate climate change but also enhance food security, create jobs, and make food more affordable.
Private sector companies and investors have a crucial role in financing and scaling innovations that reduce energy intensity in food systems and transport. Policymakers and funders must also acknowledge the interdependence of food and energy, phasing out fossil fuel-based agrochemicals, reassessing subsidies, addressing corporate consolidation, and investing in sustainable farming practices.
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Fossil fuels and the war in Ukraine
Fossil fuels are entrenched across the global food supply chain, from production to transportation and storage. Food systems account for at least 15% of all fossil fuels used annually worldwide, more than the carbon emissions of the EU and Russia combined. The war in Ukraine has brought to light the dangers of this dependence, with direct and indirect impacts on food supplies and prices.
Ukraine and Russia are significant exporters of grain, cooking oil, and fertilizer. The conflict has resulted in reduced exports from these countries, leading to shortages and price spikes, particularly in fertilizers. Higher oil prices have also affected transport costs, further impacting food supplies.
The European Union (EU) has imposed sanctions on Russia due to the invasion, but individual member states continue to purchase Russian fossil fuels, providing significant funding for the war in Ukraine. Researchers have developed a dashboard displaying real-time data on the EU's payments to Russia for fossil fuels, which continue to increase rapidly. As of 2025, the EU imported a record-high amount of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia, raising concerns about funding Moscow's war efforts.
To address this issue, Europe has been urged to ban the purchase of Russian natural resources entirely. Additionally, Ukraine's situation has highlighted the need to transition from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy sources. Ukraine lacks the infrastructure to import and utilize LNG, and the ongoing war has disrupted its maritime trade capabilities. While transitioning to clean energy may be challenging, it is necessary to reduce the power of petro-dictators, enhance global food security, and mitigate climate change.
The impact of fossil fuels on the war in Ukraine extends beyond the energy sector, influencing food supplies, prices, and geopolitical strategies. Addressing this complex issue requires a multifaceted approach, including reducing fossil fuel dependence, transitioning to clean energy, and exploring alternative energy sources and routes to meet energy needs.
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Fossil fuel dependency in the food system
Fossil fuels are deeply entrenched in the global food system, with food production, transport, and storage accounting for at least 15% of all fossil fuels burned annually. This amounts to 4.6 gigatonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions, more than the carbon emissions of the entire EU and Russia combined. With the uptake of renewable energy for transport and power, the fossil fuel industry is investing in petrochemicals to produce plastics, pesticides, and fertilizers, solidifying the food system's dependence on high-carbon energy.
The food system's fossil fuel dependency spans the entire supply chain, from farm to table. Land use and agricultural production, including energy for machinery, equipment, ventilation, greenhouse heating, and fertiliser distribution, account for around 15% of fossil fuel use in the food system. The processing and packaging stage, involving warehousing, plastic production, transport, refrigeration, and ultra-processed food processing, accounts for about 42% of fossil fuel consumption in the food system. This stage is particularly energy-intensive due to refrigeration, transport, and packaging requirements.
Retail, consumption, and waste account for approximately 38% of fossil fuel use in the food system. This includes food waste, cooking energy, transport, and embedded plastics. High-income countries exhibit higher energy intensity in retail due to the prevalence of refrigerated containers and processed foods. Additionally, the globalisation of food supply chains has resulted in longer supply chains, increasing the energy required for transportation and refrigeration, thus escalating emissions.
To mitigate climate change and enhance supply chain resilience, transforming food production and consumption patterns is crucial. The Global Alliance for the Future of Food estimates that such a transformation could reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by at least 10.3 gigatons annually, contributing significantly to the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C warming target. Policymakers and funders are urged to phase out fossil fuel-based agrochemicals, transition to renewable energy for food processing, and promote sustainable farming practices.
Addressing fossil fuel dependency in the food system requires collaboration between various sectors, including philanthropy, researchers, grassroots movements, the private sector, farmers, food systems workers, Indigenous Peoples, governments, and policymakers. Private sector companies can finance and scale innovations that reduce energy intensity in food systems and transport, while also promoting sustainable and healthy food environments. Academics can contribute by researching energy use in fisheries, livestock production, and alternative protein sources, fostering greater collaboration on the food-energy nexus.
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Frequently asked questions
Food systems account for at least 15% of all fossil fuels burned globally. This includes fossil fuel use across the entire food supply chain, from farm to table.
Fossil fuels are used in the production, processing, packaging, transport, retail, consumption, and waste stages of the food supply chain. The processing and packaging stage, as well as retail, consumption, and waste, account for the majority of fossil fuel consumption.
Fossil fuels provide energy for energy-intensive equipment, refrigeration systems, packaging, and transport. They also power machinery and equipment, and are used to produce and package food, as well as for storage and cooking.
To reduce fossil fuel use, we can transition to renewable energy sources, adopt regenerative and agroecological farming practices, reduce food waste, shorten supply chains, and decrease the consumption of processed foods.
