NYC Mayor Adams Announces Plan to Cut the City’s Food-Based Emissions by 33 Percent by the Year 2030

Learn about the first integrated greenhouse gas inventory here…

New York City has taken a bold step in addressing the climate crisis by releasing its first greenhouse gas inventory that includes food emissions. Food is a major contributor to global warming, as it involves the use of land, water, energy, and chemicals throughout its life cycle. According to the new inventory, food emissions represent 20 percent of New York City’s overall emissions — the third largest source after buildings and transportation.

To reduce its food footprint, the city has committed to cutting its food emissions by 33 percent by 2030. This means serving more plant-based meals in public agencies and schools, which have lower environmental impacts and health benefits. The city has already implemented initiatives such as Plant-Powered Fridays in public schools and plant-based menus in public hospitals. The mayor also challenged the private sector to join the effort and reduce their food emissions by 25 percent in the same time frame.

New York City is leading the world in combating climate change through food choices. The city recognizes that what we eat affects not only our health, but also the health of the planet. By shifting to a more sustainable diet, the city hopes to inspire other cities and individuals to do the same and create a brighter future for everyone.