UK health coalition rallies for climate tax on food according to its carbon footprint

05 Nov 2020 --- A coalition of UK health professionals is calling for a food tax to be levied on all food producers according to their products’ carbon footprint. Should industry fail to take voluntary action, the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change (UKHACC) argues that the levy must be enforced on food with a heavy environmental impact – such as beef and dairy – by 2025.

“COVID-19, painful though it is, could pale into insignificance compared to the turbulence created by climate change and the collapse in biodiversity,” stresses Henry Dimbleby, independent lead of the National Food Strategy, a member of the coalition.

“Healthcare professionals have an important role in shaping our diets and I am very pleased to see their recommendations cover not only our health, but that of our planet too – and that they consider the broader influences on our food system.”

Most climate change activities are focused on decarbonizing energy and transport, but the coalition underscores that agri-food production makes up over a quarter (26 percent) of total global greenhouse gas emissions.

FoodIngredientsFirst has reached out to the coalition for further details on the course of action it needs to sustain this policy shift.

Carbon neutral by 2040
The National Health Service (NHS) in England has recently voiced an ambition to become carbon neutral by 2040. In addition to enforcing food taxes, UKHACC believes policy-driven guidance toward smart consumption choices is needed to meet this target.

It stresses the UK government must commission independent research into the most effective form of environmental labeling, while reforming existing dietary campaigns to include climate messages.

Agri-food production makes up over a quarter (26 percent) of total global greenhouse gas emissions.The coalition further urges policymakers to work swiftly with retailers to end the practice of selling unhealthy and perishable foods in bulk or in buy-one-get-one-free promotions. They note this contributes to an average waste of seven million metric tons of food per household each year.

The group also recommends amendments to public procurement rules to require all food to meet minimum environmental standards – using purchasing power to shift the market.

In addition, new Brexit trade agreements must include a clause requiring imports to meet UK environmental standards.

Meat reduction, a pivotal element in the coalition’s ambition, has been brought into focus by collaborations between industry and action groups. In recent developments, Quorn and the British Dietetic Association (BDA) launched an educational campaign, Sustainable Eats, to encourage this dietary shift.

High level of concern among the public
A new YouGov survey commissioned by the UKHACC shows high levels of concern among UK health professionals about the impact of food on the climate, and support for the health benefits of more environmentally friendly diets.

Of those surveyed: 

• Two-thirds (68 percent) are concerned about the impacts of society’s approach to food production and consumption on the environment/climate.
• Two-thirds (67 percent) agree that changing your diet in a way that reduces its environmental impact (e.g. by eating less meat) can also improve your health.
• 40 percent have already changed their diet/eating habits due to environmental concerns.

“The UK Health Alliance on Climate Change’s survey shows that a majority of health professionals agree, and it’s hugely encouraging that 40 percent have already taken action by changing their eating habits,” comments Andrew Goddard, president of the Royal College of Physicians.

“We each have a responsibility and an ability to make a difference as individuals, and making changes like reducing our meat consumption is not only good for the planet, but can also be good for our health.”

Climate action is gaining pace
Industry’s heavyweights are significantly ramping up investments in renewable energy as the link between agri-food production and climate change grows more evident.

Last month, Kerry announced a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 33 percent by 2030 and achieve net-zero before 2050. 

Similarly, General Mills has pledged to reduce its absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent over the next decade and slash food waste in half. 

PepsiCo, meanwhile, has expressed ambitions to achieve 100 percent renewable electricity for direct operations across Europe by 2022 through investments in solar and wind.

Sustaining these commitments will prove to be critical as industry aligns itself with the UN’s Paris Agreement 1.5°C climate change target. 

By Benjamin Ferrer