Did the World Economic Forum demand that governments ban people from growing vegetables and fruit in their own gardens as it leaves too big a carbon footprint? No, that's not true: The source of the claim is likely a recent study by the University of Michigan, which has nothing to do with the Forum.
The claim appeared in a video (archived here) on March 4, 2024, under the title (translated from Hungarian to English by Lead Stories staff) "According to the World Economic Forum, we leave too much of a carbon footprint when we grow vegetables at home in the garden." The description (as translated) states:
According to the World Economic Forum, we leave too much of a carbon footprint when we grow vegetables at home in the garden. According to a study, the organization is now demanding that governments ban people from growing vegetables and fruits in their own gardens in order to save the planet from global warming.
This is what the post looked like on TikTok at the time of writing:
(Source: TikTok screenshot taken on Tue Mar 12 17:37:55 2024 UTC)
The source of the claim is likely a January 2024 study (archived here) by the University of Michigan. The "international study finds that fruits and vegetables grown in urban farms and gardens have a carbon footprint that is, on average, six times greater than conventionally grown produce" and "urban agriculture must be carefully planned to have climate benefits." An article announcing the results lists the international supporters of the study, but the World Economic Forum (WEF) is not on the list. No evidence exists that WEF is affiliated with or has endorsed the research.
After reaching out for a comment, the WEF spokesperson told Lead Stories in an e-mail on March 7, 2024, that:
The World Economic Forum does not endorse any policy that advocates for prohibiting individuals from cultivating fruits and vegetables in their personal gardens. Furthermore, we are not advocating for governments worldwide to impose bans on individuals engaging in such agricultural practices within their own premises. Regarding the study from the University of Michigan, while it provides valuable insights into the climate impacts of urban agriculture, it is not directly supported or endorsed by the World Economic Forum.
