Leiden database shows city food emissions differ, calling for tailored sustainability strategies

A new database compiled by researchers at Leiden University indicates that urban strategies for reducing food‑related greenhouse‑gas emissions must be tailored to local conditions. The analysis shows that in high‑income, low‑density cities such as Amsterdam, shifting consumer diets toward more plant‑based options could cut food‑sector emissions by roughly 50 percent, whereas in rapidly growing megacities like Dhaka and Delhi, the priority lies in greening food production and expanding access to affordable, sustainable foods.

The study emphasizes that a one‑size‑fits‑all policy is insufficient for achieving climate‑friendly food systems worldwide. In wealthier European cities, the impact of dietary change is amplified by existing infrastructure and consumer purchasing power, while in South Asian urban centers, improvements in agricultural practices, supply‑chain efficiency, and equitable distribution are essential to lower emissions and address food security. The Leiden database provides city‑specific guidance for policymakers aiming to balance emission reductions with the need to broaden food access in diverse urban contexts.