Meat Production and Consumption: Environmental Consequences

Abstract

Meat production is projected to double by 2020 due to increased, per capita global consumption of meat and population growth. The livestock sector is one of the most significant contributors to urgent environmental problems. In Europe, food consumption is responsible for approximately 30% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Meat generally has a considerably higher carbon footprint than plant-based food. This is especially true for beef, due to the emissions of methane (CH4) from enteric fermentation in ruminants.