What drives the significant urban-rural inequality in China’s GHG emissions from food system?

Establishing an environmentally sustainable food system is crucial for mitigating climate change. To address the research gap, this study employs multiple methods/models to assess the inequality in per capita food-related GHGs (PFGHGs), and identify the drivers of the disparities. Results indicate that PFGHGs in China have increased dramatically, with more pronounced changes in rural areas. The urban-rural gap has undergone a process of “slow decrease - rapid increase - rapid decrease”. As for the drivers, the consumption levels have reduced regional inequalities, whereas the effects of urbanization and income levels have expanded inequalities. Educational level, consumption level, Engel’s coefficient, and income level exhibit different impacts on inequality, with improvements in consumption level, educational level, and a decrease in the Engel’s coefficient narrowing the gap, while an increase in income level can widen it. The research provides a scientific basis for emission reduction strategies at the micro-level.