Quantifying Melbourne’s ‘Foodprint’: A scenario modelling methodology to determine the environmental impact of feeding a city

Abstract

Summary: As cities grow and climate change intensifies, challenges related to the sustainable supply of food to urban areas are increasing. This is a particular issue for Melbourne, Australia’s fastest growing city. Although food consumption accounts for a significant proportion of environmental impact, there is little or no data quantifying what it takes to feed a city to help city governments plan for the future. This paper presents the methodology and findings of an investigation into the environmental impact of feeding Greater Melbourne by quantifying its ‘foodprint’ – the land and water required, and food waste and greenhouse gas (ghg) emissions generated. It forms part of a larger proj..