Estimating embedded greenhouse gas emissions using the GTAP database: a case study for agrifood
This report estimates the greenhouse gas emissions ‘embedded’ in agriculture and food (agrifood) global value chains. The results show how embedded emissions are spread throughout the global economy and highlight how the reporting of embedded emissions for climate-related policies may impact the agriculture and food sectors. The results are also compared to other emission datasets that are used in international modelling.
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Overview
Reducing the climate impact of agrifood systems requires understanding both the direct emissions released in production as well as the emissions embedded in the inputs used by global agricultural and food supply chains. This report develops a method for estimating embedded emissions in agriculture and food production using a global database.
Key findings
- The results show that direct global agricultural (including fisheries and forestry) emissions were 6.9 Gt CO₂‑equivalent in 2023, representing 14% of global economy-wide emissions. In contrast, direct emissions from food production are very small – less than 1% of global emissions. But when embedded emissions are included (primarily from agricultural inputs), food emissions increase to 10% of global economy-wide emissions.
- Australia's livestock and cropping industries are shown to be less emission intensive than most other agricultural exporters. While Australia’s livestock emission intensity appears high in the results, this reflects Australia’s comparative advantage (and relative efficiency) in cattle production. Disaggregated results for cattle and sheep place Australia’s total emission intensity below the average of other red meat exporters.
- The results suggest that recognising embedded emissions will increase the estimated emissions intensity of agriculture, but will not significantly shift the relative competitiveness of different countries.