An analysis of Austria's food service sector in the context of climate change

The food service industry and its relation to climate change have recently gained attention, as the greenhouse gas intensity of food production and consumption has become better understood. Food services – including restaurants, canteens, or catering - have great relevance for emissions as a result of the purchasing decisions they make as well as their influence on consumer choices. This paper provides an overview of the existing knowledge on these interrelationships, with a specific focus on Austria. Specifically, it investigates whether there are opportunities for the Austrian food service sector to contribute to mitigation. The paper also discusses the role of policies and waste management in changing food use patterns. The paper has an applied nature and is part of the Austrian Special Report on Tourism and Climate Change.