A study across 149 countries over two decades reveals that Gen Z and Gen Alpha have the highest per capita food carbon footprint. Their diets, heavy in meat, dairy, and processed snacks, produce more emissions than older age groups. A single 100-gram burger patty emits about four times the carbon of a plant-based meal. However, the over-60 population drives the largest share of total food emissions due to their growing numbers in wealthy nations like the US, Japan, and Europe, accounting for up to 29% of global food-related emissions. The data varies by region. In wealthy countries, high emissions come from overconsumption and processed foods. In developing nations, rising emissions often reflect improved nutrition and food access, a positive health trend. Policymakers face a challenge: reducing environmental impact without undermining progress against malnutrition. The solution involves shifting toward sustainable, nutrient-dense foods and reducing reliance on industrial livestock, not simply cutting out meat entirely.
