Climate benefits and environmental challenges related to urban food systems

In a short literature review, we have collected available knowledge on the potential benefits of urban agriculture, as part of local food systems, on climate change mitigation and adaptation. The effects of urban agriculture on climate change mitigation and adaptation depend on the type of agricultural practice (e.g. in greenhouses, in soil, in artificial substrates used resources) and the difference with previous land use (e.g. leading to an increase or decrease of sealed soil surface and green areas). Specific types of urban agriculture can alter the urban environment and in this way influence climate adaptation, or contribute to mitigation in case the production can be realized with lower energy inputs due to opportunities offered by the urban system.