The Meat Dilemma: A Global Environmental Perspective

The documentary film "Before The Flood"

The documentary film "Before The Flood"

In a world grappling with escalating environmental challenges, the impact of meat production on the global ecosystem stands out as a critical concern. My personal journey with this awareness began in 2017, inspired by the documentary "Before the Flood." Since then, I made the decision to abstain from several types of meat, recognizing the profound implications of our dietary choices.

The goal of this project is to shed light on the profound consequences of our dietary choices, emphasizing the need for awareness and sustainable alternatives. By examining various aspects of meat production and consumption, the intention is to facilitate a deeper understanding of the link between our food choices and their environmental effects. Ultimately, the aim is to inspire individuals to consider positive changes in their choices, encouraging them to make informed and environmentally conscious decisions about what they eat.

1. Global Meat Production Overview

Global Meat Production Global meat production almost doubled from 1991 to 2021Asia is raising the fastest over the past 30 years.

Data Source: UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

To understand the scale of the issue, we first examine global meat production. According to the data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, we can easily see from the graph that there has been a trend of increase in meat production for the past 36 years. Upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that meat production has more than doubled from 1985 to 2021.

Several factors have correlated to the surge in global meat production. Economic development and rising incomes in many parts of the world have led to an increased demand for protein-rich diets, with meat serving as a significant source. Additionally, population growth, particularly in developing countries, has amplified the need for more food, including meat, to sustain growing communities (Nigatu & Seeley, 2015). Technological advancements in agriculture, such as improved breeding practices and feed efficiency, have also contributed to enhanced productivity in the livestock industry.

Do you have any idea about how much is 350 million tonnes?

A pyramid weighs around 6 million tonnes,
and the meat people around the globe eat in a year weighs almost 60 pyramids.

Meat Production by Livestock Type

To dive in deeper, let’s move on to meat production by livestock type. We will be focusing on the top 3 livestock types.

1. Poultry's Meteoric Rise:

In the year 1985, poultry meat held a modest 20% share in the global meat production landscape. Jump ahead to 2021, and a remarkable transformation unfolds — poultry's contribution has nearly doubled, now accounting for almost 40% of the total share. This substantial surge underscores a fundamental shift in both dietary preferences and production methodologies, propelled by factors like affordability and the adoption of efficient farming practices, known for their cost-effectiveness and space efficiency (Miller et al., 2022).

2. Beef and Buffalo: A Declining Share:

Contrastingly, the share of beef and buffalo meat has experienced a notable decline over the same period. In 1985, these meats collectively accounted for around 34% of global meat production. However, by 2021, their combined share had decreased to approximately 21%. This decline can be attributed to various factors, including environmental concerns related to cattle farming, changing dietary preferences, and increased awareness of health implications associated with red meat consumption (Heart & Vascular, 2023).

3. Pigmeat's Resilient Presence:

In comparison to the fluctuating fortunes of poultry and beef, pigmeat has maintained a relatively constant presence. Hovering between 35-40 % of the global meat production share, pigmeat has exhibited a resilience reflective of its widespread popularity. The stable contribution of pigmeat to the global market underscores its adaptability, affordability, and consistent demand across diverse culinary cultures.

Meat Production (by type) from 1991 to 2021Poultry has increased the most for the past 30 years

2. Environmental Impact of Meat Production:

After learning about the global meat production trend, let's move on to how do they impact our earth.
There are mainly 3 negative environmental impacts of the meat production.

1. Water Usage:

Meat production is water-intensive, both directly for the animals and indirectly for growing their feed crops. In the US, around 80-90% of water consumption is used for agriculture production. Large-scale livestock farming can lead to water pollution through the runoff of waste and excess nutrients, affecting aquatic ecosystems (Environmental Impact of Meat Consumption, 2016).

2. Energy Consumption:

Meat processing and transportation involve substantial energy consumption. From the production of feed to the processing of meat products, each stage contributes to the overall energy footprint associated with meat production. The "energy footprint" of meat surpasses that of any other food, requiring 75 times more energy for production compared to corn (The World Counts, 2023).

3. Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

The amount of greenhouse gases produced by farming is expected to shoot up as more people need more food. Experts predict an 80% increase in these gases by 2050, which is a big problem as it speeds up global warming. The main reason behind this increase is the waste that comes from animals, especially methane. Methane is way more harmful than CO2, with an impact 86 times stronger over 20 years. That makes it a major player in making our planet warmer.

Most folks know that cars and trucks produce a lot of greenhouse gases, but what many don't realize is that farming is an even bigger source. Even though vehicles release a fair amount of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxides, these gases are not as harmful to the environment as methane. Surprisingly, raising animals for food is responsible for 19% of all greenhouse gases, beating out 5% from industries and 3% from waste (Ritchie & Roser, 2023). This points to the urgent need to deal with the environmental impact of raising animals if we want to slow down climate change (Environmental Impact of Meat Consumption, 2016).

Global Greenhouse Gas Emmision in 2020 by SectorAgriculture, Forestry & Land Use is the second large part of the global greenhouse gas emmision in 2022

Source: Oceana Protecting the World’s Oceans (2021)

Photo by Martin Adams on Unsplash

Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel on Unsplash

3. Carbon Footprint of Meat Production:

The issue of greenhouse emission is highly related to carbon footprint of the food. So do you know what is Carbon Footprint?

According to the definition on Wikipedia, “A carbon footprint is a measurement of emissions of carbon dioxide or CO2-equivalent amounts of other greenhouse gases in tonnes of emissions per unit of comparison.” In short words, carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gasses produced by our actions.

Photo by Edoardo Busti on Unsplash

Kg of greenhouse gas emmisions per kg of foodBeef is causing the biggest amount of greenhouse gas emmision

Source: Environmental Impacts of Food Production by Hannah Ritchie, Pablo Rasado and Max Roser (2022)

The environmental impact of meat consumption extends beyond just the quantity of meat produced; it also varies significantly depending on the type of meat. The graph presented illustrates these differences vividly. Beef and mutton emerge as the primary culprits, causing the largest carbon emissions compared to other meat types. These results match the rumor people might heard, that beef production is harmful to the environment (Campos et al., 2022). Cows, especially, release a lot of methane during digestion, which contributes to this impact.

On the other hand, poultry and wild fisheries exhibit a more favorable environmental profile, contributing approximately five times fewer carbon emissions than their beef and mutton counterparts. This difference can be attributed to several factors. Poultry farming generally requires less land and water compared to beef production, and wild fisheries often involve less resource-intensive practices than livestock farming.

4. Changes in Carbon Dioxide Levels:

Average carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels in the atmosphere worldwide from 1991 to 2021 (in parts per million)The CO₂ level has increased for about 18% in 30 years.

Source: Statista (Average carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels in the atmosphere worldwide from 1959 to 2022)

After learning about the carbon footprint, it's time to go review the CO2 level.

Over the past three decades, there has been a noticeable and concerning upward trend in CO2 levels in our atmosphere. As we saw in the previous section, there is a link between this rise and the greenhouse gas emissions associated with animal agriculture. The production of livestock, particularly cows, releases significant amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to the overall warming of the Earth. As more animals are raised for food, the cumulative effect of their emissions has been identified as a significant factor in the increase of CO2 levels. This underscores the critical need to address and rethink current practices in animal farming to mitigate their environmental impact and work towards a more sustainable and balanced approach to food production.

Photo by Serge Le Strat on Unsplash

5. Conclusion / Next Step

Photo by Christopher Carson on Unsplash

Photo by Christopher Carson on Unsplash

Understanding the distinct carbon footprints associated with various types of meat becomes crucial when considering sustainable dietary choices. Individuals aiming to reduce their carbon impact can be more mindful of the types of meat they consume, opting for those with lower associated emissions. This knowledge not only empowers consumers but also emphasizes the need for more sustainable practices within the meat industry, encouraging a shift towards more environmentally friendly production methods.

I personally reduce my meat consumption after knowing all the impact of meat production, and I found that it's not that hard to stop eating meat. So on the right side, there are some of the suggestion on what we can do.

Here are what we can do:

1. Meatless Mondays: Dedicate one day a week to a vegetarian or plant-based diet. This simple change can significantly reduce your overall meat consumption and contribute to a lower environmental footprint.

2. Explore Plant-Based Alternatives: Incorporate plant-based proteins into your diet, such as beans, lentils, tofu, and legumes. These alternatives often have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional meat products.

3. Support Local and Sustainable Farms: Purchase meat and produce from local and sustainable farms. This helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and supports environmentally conscious farming practices.

4. Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the environmental impact of different food choices. Share your knowledge with friends and family to raise awareness and encourage sustainable practices.

Remember, even small changes in individual behavior collectively contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society.

Reference List

Nigatu, G. and Seeley, R. (2015) Growth in meat consumption for developing and emerging economies surpasses that for the developed world, Economic Research Service U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. Available at: https://www.ers.usda.gov/amber-waves/2015/july/growth-in-meat-consumption-for-developing-and-emerging-economies-surpasses-that-for-the-developed-world/ (Accessed: 30 November 2023).

Miller, M. et al. (2022) Poultry expected to continue leading global meat imports as demand rises, Economic Research Service U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. Available at: https://www.ers.usda.gov/amber-waves/2022/august/poultry-expected-to-continue-leading-global-meat-imports-as-demand-rises/ (Accessed: 30 November 2023).

Heart & Vascular (2023) Is eating too much red meat bad for you?, Scripps Health. Available at: https://www.scripps.org/news_items/4258-is-red-meat-bad-for-you#:~:text=for%20your%20health-,Eating%20too%20much%20red%20meat%20could%20be%20bad%20for%20your,certain%20cancers%2C%20especially%20colorectal%20cancer. (Accessed: 30 November 2023).

OECD. (July 30, 2022). Meat consumption worldwide from 1990 to 2021, by meat type* (in million tons) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved November 30, 2023, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/274522/global-per-capita-consumption-of-meat/

Environmental impact of meat consumption (no date) Environmental Impact of Meat Consumption | Open Case Studies. Available at: https://cases.open.ubc.ca/environmental-impact-of-meat-consumption/ (Accessed: 30 November 2023).

Ritchie, H. and Roser, M. (2023) Sector by sector: Where do global greenhouse gas emissions come from?, Our World in Data. Available at: https://ourworldindata.org/ghg-emissions-by-sector (Accessed: 30 November 2023).

Campos, D. et al. (2022) Meat’s large water footprint: Why raising livestock and poultry for meat is so resource-intensive, Food Tank. Available at: https://foodtank.com/news/2013/12/why-meat-eats-resources/ (Accessed: 30 November 2023).

Hannah Ritchie, Pablo Rosado and Max Roser (2022) - "Environmental Impacts of Food Production". Published online at OurWorldInData.org. Retrieved from: 'https://ourworldindata.org/environmental-impacts-of-food' [Online Resource]