Two-thirds of agricultural carbon and biodiversity loss occurs on one-third of the agricultural area

Carbon storage and biodiversity loss are both heavily impacted by the food system. Here, we map and trace carbon and biodiversity loss in global agriculture along international supply chains at a high spatial and product resolution. While the northern hemisphere in general sees greater carbon loss and the southern higher biodiversity loss, the areas of highest carbon and biodiversity loss are often co-located, comprising a third of the total area and almost two-thirds of both total losses. Brazil is the largest net exporter for both losses, and China the largest net importer. Food consumption drives 83% of losses, of which animal-sourced foods drive 59% of carbon and 71% of biodiversity loss. Bovine meat and milk alone comprise 29% carbon and 41% biodiversity losses. The overlap between regions and products of high loss strengthen calls for joint efforts in carbon and biodiversity policy that involve both supply and demand interventions.