Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) have revealed alarming statistics about the energy inefficiencies of global animal-based food production, which accounts for a staggering 60% of agriculture’s energy use while yielding only 18% of the calories consumed worldwide. The study, led by Kajwan Rasul, highlights the reliance on fossil fuels in animal husbandry, raising significant concerns about food and energy security in an era marked by global crises and climate change.
The findings illustrate a stark imbalance in the energy return on investment for animal-based foods. Rasul and his team used advanced modeling techniques to assess energy use across various food systems, revealing that the energy return on energy investment for producing animal products is less than one. This means that more energy is consumed in raising livestock than is provided in the form of edible calories. For instance, while the energy efficiency of global food systems has improved from 0.68 in 1995 to 0.91 in 2019, this still indicates that for every calorie produced, an additional 10% more energy is required.
Interestingly, the study also points out that less industrialized regions, such as West Africa, demonstrate greater energy efficiency in food production compared to their industrialized counterparts. West Africa, in particular, boasts an energy return on investment of 2.70, suggesting that these regions are better at converting energy inputs into food outputs. This is crucial, given that these areas house around 68% of the global population, highlighting a potential pathway for improving food security through more sustainable agricultural practices.
The researchers caution that the current reliance on fossil fuels for agricultural production poses significant risks to food security, especially during times of geopolitical instability. Historical events, such as the 1970s oil embargo and the recent war in Ukraine, have shown how fragile food systems can become when they are heavily dependent on energy sources that are vulnerable to disruption. The study underscores the urgent need for a transition towards more efficient and sustainable food systems that can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring food security in an increasingly uncertain world.
