Legislators and environmental organizations are calling on the government to add carbon footprints to food labels at a press conference on World Environment Day this Thursday. With more than 150 countries observing the day on June 5, it stands as the largest international platform dedicated to raising awareness of environmental issues.
Underscoring the U.N. statistic that agriculture, forestry, and other land use account for 22% of 2019 global greenhouse emissions, TPP Legislator Chen Gau-tzu (陳昭姿) says she believes changing eating habits is a crucial part of the transition to net zero. Instead of restricting consumers, Chen says encouraging low-carbon diets through clear labeling allows them to choose a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. She added that this can also take the guesswork out of how much impact products have on the environment.
Taiwan’s Meat-Free Monday organization Secretary General Chang Chia-pei (張家珮) says carbon emissions derived from animal products consumed by people in Taiwan will reach 37 million tons, accounting for 12% of the country’s total emissions.
While the Environment and Agriculture Ministries have carbon footprint labels and databases, Sustainable Healthy Diets Research Institute Chairperson Chang You-chuan (張祐銓) says the units of labeling are different for each product, making it difficult for consumers to compare. Chang stresses that a confusing system will weaken the effectiveness of the labels, and calls on the ministries to improve the transparency and practicality of the system.