Work

Food Consumption‐Based Assessment and Related Environmental Sustainability During 1995–2015: Multidimensional Footprints, Synergies, and Trade‐Offs

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The food‐induced environmental impacts are diverse and crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, existing studies focusing primarily on impact quantification may not fully capture environmental sustainability performance, nor adequately reveal policy challenges, trade‐offs, and synergies. This research proposed a consumption‐based assessment framework for food sector environmental sustainability, combining an environmentally extended multi‐regional input–output model with the SDGs scoring method. Food‐related footprints—greenhouse gases (CO 2 , CH 4 , N 2 O), blue water, land, nitrogen, and phosphorus—were standardized on a 0–100 scale by a multi‐attribute decision making method to construct sub‐indicator and composite scores for cross‐indicator comparison. Correlation analysis was then used to identify potential synergies and trade‐offs among indicators across economies. The results show that, from 1995 to 2015, the per capita water footprint score declined in most economies. Luxembourg and the United States showed relatively lower scores within the analytical framework, with composite scores of 16.22 and below 40, respectively. In addition, several economies exhibited particularly low scores in specific dimensions, such as Belgium in greenhouse gases, Canada in nitrogen and phosphorus, Brazil in phosphorus and greenhouse gases, and India in water. Moreover, at least one significant negative correlation among the seven indicators was identified in South Africa, Mexico, India, Slovenia, Latvia, Germany and Bulgaria, suggesting potential trade‐offs in environmental sustainability. These findings provide a preliminary basis for identifying potential environmental policy priorities, especially in economies where improvements in one environmental dimension may intensify pressure in another.

Source: Earth s Future

DOI: 10.1029/2025ef007633

Authors: Zixia Ding, Wenlong Zhou, Bing Wang, Jizhe Li

Institutions: China University of Mining and Technology, China University of Mining and Technology - Beijing, Tsinghua University

Language: English

Topic: Agriculture Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Climate action, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,180