More or Less: Behind the Stats The carbon cost of breakfast at COP26
Nov 14, 2021
At COP26, a French minister claimed croissants have a higher carbon cost than bacon rolls, sparking a fascinating discussion. The podcast delves into the carbon footprints of various breakfast items and the surprising impact of plant-based versus animal-based ingredients. It also highlights how cafes are starting to list carbon counts on menus. Listeners are encouraged to consider their breakfast choices and their environmental effects, making for an engaging exploration of food and climate change.
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Croissant Controversy
- At COP26, a menu listed plant-based croissants as having a higher carbon footprint than bacon rolls.
- This error prompted a French minister to suggest eating fewer croissants, sparking headlines.
Butter vs. Margarine
- Butter has a significantly higher carbon footprint than margarine, impacting a croissant's overall emissions.
- This is due to the different ingredients and processes involved in their production.
Emissions Sources
- A key factor in butter's high carbon footprint is methane from cows.
- Bacon's footprint is largely due to nitrous oxide from fertilizers used in pig feed.