Global greenhouse gas emissions from animal-based foods are twice those of plant-based foods

Summary

This global comparative analysis, published in Nature Food, quantifies lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from animal-based food production relative to plant-based alternatives. As suggested by the title, the study reports that animal-based foods generate approximately twice the emissions of plant-based foods when assessed across the supply chain. The work synthesises global data to provide an evidence-grounded comparison relevant to food system climate impact assessment.

UK applicability

The findings are applicable to UK food policy and dietary guidance, particularly in supporting climate mitigation through dietary shift towards plant-based foods. However, the global aggregate masks regional and farming-system variation; UK-specific pastoral systems (particularly grass-fed ruminant production) may show different emission intensities than global averages.

Key measures

Greenhouse gas emissions (likely in CO₂-equivalents) per unit of food product; comparative ratio of emissions between animal-based and plant-based foods

Outcomes reported

The study quantified and compared total greenhouse gas emissions across the life cycle of animal-based and plant-based food products globally. It assessed emissions intensity per unit of food produced or consumed.

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