A study published in Nature Food, estimates the carbon footprint of the global food transport system, accounts for one-fifth of total food-system emissions.
Research suggests that in a year, global food miles contributed to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions, which is 3.5-7.5 times more than originally thought.
The high income nations represents about 12.5% of the world's population, but are responsible for 52% of international food miles.
Fruits and vegetables are responsible for one-fifth of global food miles, but account for over one-third of transport emissions.
Meat accounts for only 4% of all food transport emissions.
The world's food chain is intricate and interconnected. To produce red meat for consumption in China, involve production steps across the globe.
Chemicals from Canada are transported by road to the US to grow fruits and vegetables, and by ship to Brazil to grow soybeans, used to feed livestock in China.
Coal is imported from Australia and Indonesia used in the manufacturing process and machinery from Germany.
