Montserrat

Greenhouse gas emissions are the main contributor of climate change, and are thus an important indicator of a food system's contribution to climate change. In addition, greenhouse gases from transforming land (clearing, burning, or otherwise removing existing vegetation) for agricultural use are a large source of food system greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change is associated with increased land surface temperature, extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and other changes to the environment. These changes may impact the quality, quantity, and safety of our food supply.

Higher crop species richness and diversity are associated with several positive outcomes for production (yield stability, reduced pest and disease outbreaks, higher pollinator diversity) and for the environment (higher insect and bird richness and abundance, higher soil biodiversity). This indicator can be used to identify crops grown in areas with very low versus very high numbers of different crops within a 10x10 km area. Countries with lower average crop richness are likely to be growing in simplified farms and landscapes (monoculture systems) while countries with crop richness tending towards 42 are likely to be growing in multifunctional farms and landscapes. Note that the scale of the data (10x10 km) means that many small farms all producing different crops in monocultures will likely result in higher crop richness or diversity scores than several large farms using intercrop or crop rotation systems. There is no clear scientific consensus on a target crop richness to ensure sustainable production systems. A global target of 15 crops per 10x10km should be attainable for all cropland and could be used as a threshold across all commodities.

Provides the cost of adequate calories for energy balance at a given level of physical activity and body size, using only the least-cost starchy staple in each country.

This account-based system of indicators facilitates the quantification of natural resources appropriated by the production or consumption choices across countries.

This account-based system of indicators facilitates the quantification of natural resources appropriated by the production or consumption choices across countries.

This indicates agricultural land dynamics, which can affect food supply and environmental quality.

Embedding at least 10% of natural and seminatural vegetation is being proposed as a planetary boundary to guarantee that agricultural lands have integrity and a minimum amount of natural capital to provide ecosystem services. Attaining 10% natural vegetation is a low target that all cropland systems must fulfill.