Climate Facts: Food system accounts for 30% of world’s energy consumption

The complexities of climate change and its associated jargon can make it difficult to digest. TheCable’s climate quick facts will help to demystify these climate concepts through easy-to-understand and straight-to-the-point explanations.

Here are some to keep at the tip of your fingers:

• The United Nations says the food system currently accounts for around 30 percent of the world’s total consumption of energy — most still produced using fossil fuels that generate emissions.
• Without carbon dioxide, the earth’s surface would be some 33°C (59°F) cooler, says the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
• According to the UN, 2015-2019 were the five warmest years on record while 2010-2019 was the warmest decade.
• The ocean absorbs about 30 percent of the carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels, says the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
• Over 17 percent of food is wasted, and up to 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions are associated with food that is not consumed, says the UN.