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

Summary

This global meta-analysis, published in Nature Food, synthesises lifecycle assessment data to compare greenhouse gas emissions from animal-based and plant-based foods. The authors report that animal-derived foods generate approximately twice the emissions of plant-derived foods when assessed across their full supply chains. The work contributes to quantitative understanding of food system climate impacts and may inform dietary and agricultural policy discussions.

UK applicability

UK consumption patterns and agricultural production are heavily weighted toward animal products; these findings are directly relevant to UK climate mitigation strategy in food systems and to dietary guidance discussions. The comparative emissions data can support UK policy on sustainable food procurement and agricultural transition planning.

Key measures

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions (kg CO₂-equivalents) per unit mass or caloric content of food products; comparative ratios between animal-based and plant-based food categories

Outcomes reported

The study quantified and compared total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions across animal-based and plant-based food products globally. It assessed whether emissions from animal-derived foods were substantially higher than those from plant-derived alternatives on a per-unit basis.

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