Food systems are one of the main contributors to environmental changes such as climate change, land use, and water and air pollution, accounting for about 19–29% of all anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and having a substantial impact on most planetary boundaries that determine the safe operating space for humanity.

At the same time, food systems are also heavily affected by environmental changes that can have major health implications because of reductions in yields and alterations of the nutritional composition of crops if adequate adaptation technologies are not developed.

Ensuring food and nutrition security in the future requires urgent actions for both mitigation and adaptation to environmental changes in all parts of food systems.