Facts
Logistics
Every purchased good has to be transported. But which means of transport produces the most CO₂ emissions?
CO₂ emissions per ton of food are highest for air freight, and far lower for trucks, railways, and shipping.
The climate impact of different means of transport
| Means of transportation | CO₂ emissions per transported ton of food and kilometer in grams |
|---|---|
| Open sea vessel | 9 |
| Inland water vessel | 34 |
| Train | 40 |
| Truck | 135 |
| Plane | 2.041 |
Source: Ministerium für Umwelt, Landwirtschaft, Ernährung, Weinbau und Forsten Rheinland-Pfalz (2014). Nachhaltige Ernährung – Was unser Essen mit Klimaschutz und Welternährung zu tun hat.
These figures underline that regional foods have lower transport-related emissions and that a higher share of regional foods has a positive impact on the carbon footprint.