A diet for Austria within planetary boundaries

BC3 Seminars
“A diet for Austria within planetary boundaries”

Senior Scientist Martin Bruckner

Visiting Professor at the Graduate Program in Economics
Universidade Federal Fluminense (Rio de Janeiro)

Abstract:

Agricultural production is one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions as well as the main driver of biodiversity loss, eutrophication, and land-use change. In order to avoid consequences that fundamentally threaten human life on earth, a major transformation is required. High-income countries like Austria have a disproportionately high demand for animal proteins. Dietary changes are considered to be one of the most effective ways to reduce the environmental pressures of human activity. This study examines the global environmental impact of Austrian food demand and how it would need to be adjusted to stay within planetary boundaries. It provides insights on impact hotspots in global food supply chains serving Austria’s food consumption from the 1980s until today, and shows ways in which the Austrian dietary patterns could be adapted to stay within the planetary boundaries and meet the climate goals. Our findings provide the empirical basis for an evidence-based discussion about our diet and its impact on the planet.

About the Lecturer

Martin Bruckner graduated in Economics and Computer Sciences and holds a master’s degree in Social and Human Ecology. He is currently a Senior Scientist at the “Global Resource Use” research group at the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU). His research focuses on modelling the physical dimension of biomass conversion and distribution networks, developing and applying physical supply and use tables and input-output tables. He applies these techniques, for example, in analyses of the global impact of consumption of food and non-food products on e.g. climate change and biodiversity, environmental risks associated with an expansion of the bioeconomy, potential effects and interactions of dietary changes or the reduction of food waste, and climate risks in global agricultural supply chains.