Christopher Barrett

Professor of Applied Economics and Policy

Chris Barrett, an expert on global food systems, is a professor of applied economics and management at Cornell University and a fellow at Cornell’s Atkinson Center for Sustainability. Barrett says decisions from firms like Nestle to reduce greenhouse gas emissions can have domino effects on suppliers, manufacturers, consumers and even other firms — turning food systems into a solution to combatting climate change rather than part of the problem.

Barrett says:

“It matters enormously that major food multinationals like Nestle and Unilever make large public commitments to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from their supply chains. The food system is presently an important contributor to the climate crisis, but could become part of the solution.

“The actions of big firms carry disproportionate importance. Their multi-billion dollar investments are significant in their own right. But those actions especially matter because market leaders compel other firms to follow suit. The contractual terms they set for their suppliers and the expectations they raise among consumers will impact other food manufacturers, retailers and restaurant chains.”