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Drilled

Fuel to Fork: The Role the Oil and Gas Industry Plays in Food-based Emissions

Nov 12, 2024
Anna Lappé, an expert on food systems and climate change, and Matthew Kessler, a science communicator at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, delve into the hidden ties between the oil and gas industry and our food. They discuss the impact of petrochemical fertilizers on emissions and the complexities of fossil fuel dependency in food supply chains. The conversation highlights the environmental consequences of synthetic farming practices and advocates for sustainable agriculture as a vital solution to climate challenges.
49:28

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Quick takeaways

  • The podcast highlights the significant yet often overlooked dependence of the entire food system on fossil fuels, influencing climate change through production and transportation.
  • It emphasizes the critical need to address petrochemical-derived inputs like fertilizers and pesticides, which contribute extensively to greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture.

Deep dives

The Connection Between Food Systems and Fossil Fuels

The podcast discusses how every facet of the food system, from production to transportation, relies heavily on fossil fuels. For example, the process of bringing a simple bag of potato chips to market involves significant energy use, from the tractors that plant potatoes to the packaging made from petroleum-based materials. This systemic dependency highlights that common food items are intricately linked to climate change through their production methods. Acknowledging this connection is essential for understanding the broader impact of food systems on environmental sustainability.

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