Proceedings in carbon footprint research of food systems

The carbon footprint of food systems is an important research field in response to climate change and is a key method for measuring carbon emissions in agricultural production. The study of the carbon footprint of food systems is helpful to accurately understand the characteristics and rules of carbon emissions in agricultural production and provides a scientific basis for formulating strategies and realization paths towards the reduction of agricultural carbon emissions, which is of great significance for the achievement of green agricultural development. In recent years, domestic and overseas studies on the carbon footprints of farming, animal husbandry, and food consumption have continued to increase, providing important scientific support for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the construction of more sustainable food systems. However, research in this field is continuously progressing, and many scientific problems remain to be solved. This paper reviewed the concept, research significance, main methods, and current research progress at home and abroad as well as future research difficulties and hotspots of carbon footprints. In terms of research boundary, the future carbon footprint research should be conducted from the perspective of sustainable food system and to quantify agricultural carbon footprint in the view of the whole “crop-animal husbandry-food processing-food consumption” chain, considering the carbon emission of rural residents’ daily life. In the research object, the coordination of the relationship of multi-interest subjects, promotion of the overall synergy should be paid more attention. In terms of research methods, it was suggested to consider the carbon sink function of soil and farmland ecosystem, and establish a monitoring system of carbon footprint with complete indices and parameters. Regarding the reduction of carbon emissions, attention should be paid not only to technological innovations but also to lifestyle changes and policy regulations. This study helps to better understand the influence of food systems on the environment and climate, and provides a scientific basis for the promotion of agricultural green development and policy making in rural revitalization.