Every mouthful counts: How metropolitan councils are tackling the climate and nature emergency through food
Find out how the UK's 36 metropolitan councils performed on food and climate and nature, and how they can unlock a good food revolution across the UK.
Without significant changes to the food we grow and our diets, it will not be possible to avoid some of the most catastrophic consequences of climate change.
Metropolitan councils have the opportunity to address our health, climate, and nature emergencies through action on food, farming, and land use. But in our analysis a majority (61%) had no significant or meaningful actions to address the climate impact of food, and only 3% having comprehensive plans. Having a food partnership boosted scores by 13%. While excelling in 'Policy, Strategy and Partnership,' most councils performed poorly on action on food waste due to unclear national government direction. Despite being urban, councils scored comparatively better in 'Land Use, Farming and Planning,' but most do not have plans to ensure food served reflects a planetary health diet. Opportunities remain for supporting nature-friendly farming and enhancing local food infrastructure.
Five leading councils; Bury, Sunderland, Newcastle, Leeds and Birmingham, provide case studies of creating a more healthy and sustainable food system.
Explore the results in our interactive map
Every mouthful counts: How metropolitan councils are tackling the climate and nature emergency through food
32pp - 2023 | 1933Kb
Published Wednesday 6 December 2023
Food for the Planet: Food for the Planet is helping local authorities, businesses and organisations take simple actions to tackle the climate and nature emergency through food.
