Nature Food

Liu, B., Behrens, P., Sun, Z. et al. High-resolution carbon and biodiversity mapping shows correlated losses across space and agricultural products. Nat Food (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-026-01387-0

Carbon storage and biodiversity are heavily impacted by food systems. Here we map and trace long-term carbon storage and biodiversity loss from land use in global agricultural supply chains at a high spatial and product resolution. We show that while the Northern Hemisphere experiences greater carbon loss and the Southern Hemisphere higher biodiversity loss, areas with high carbon and biodiversity losses are often co-located, with two-thirds of total losses occurring within one-third of the total area. Food consumption drives 83% of losses, of which animal-sourced foods drive 59% of carbon and 71% of biodiversity losses. Bovine meat and milk account for 29% of carbon and 41% of biodiversity losses. Brazil is the largest net exporter for both losses, and China is the largest net importer, with animal products as dominant flows in both cases. Supply and demand interventions focusing on high-impact regions and products provide opportunities for joint efforts in climate and biodiversity policy.