Protein Demand Is Destroying the Planet

In 90 percent of the world’s countries and territories, people eat more protein than they need, according to a new report. In the United States, 21 percent of adults consider themselves protein deficient. But in reality, the average American exceeds estimated daily protein requirements by nearly 70 percent.

The new report, released today by the World Resources Institute, highlights the consequences of our protein obsession. Globally, the demand for animal-based protein has been on the rise for more than five decades, and it shows no signs of slowing down. The report estimates that worldwide consumption of animal products will rise by 79 percent between 2006 and 2050—and not without dire consequences. Animal protein is not only linked to serious health problems—like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some types of cancer—but it’s also the most resource-intensive and environmentally harmful type of protein to produce (see: “Animal-Based Foods are More Resource-Intensive than Plant-Based Foods” chart).

Producing animal-based foods already takes an enormous toll on our planet, accounting for 75 percent of our global agricultural land use and two-thirds of food-related greenhouse gas emissions. Beef is one of the biggest culprits. Compared with plant-based protein sources like pulses, beef requires 20 times more land and creates 20 times more greenhouse gas emissions per unit of protein consumed. Shockingly, only 1 percent of the gross calories fed to cattle translate into human-edible calories. Yet, we use a quarter of our global landmass (excluding Antarctica) to farm cattle. It only gets scarier: The report finds that by 2050, demand for beef is expected to rise by 95 percent.

But there is hope. The report projects that by shifting our diets to center on plant-based foods, we will take enormous strides in protecting our environment. In fact, the World Resources Institute estimates that the average American could nearly cut their diet-related environmental impact in half simply by eating less meat and dairy.

The World Resources Institute estimates that a global reduction in animal protein consumption by 2050 would help us avoid 168 billion tons of food-related greenhouse gas emissions and feed the world’s growing population without further agricultural expansion.

Another recent study projected that a global shift to a vegan diet by 2050 could save 129 million human lives and trillions of dollars in health care costs.  

Adopting a plant-based diet is a simple, effective, and immediate action we can all take toward creating a healthy, sustainable world. Are you ready to get started? Our free 21-Day Vegan Kickstart program provides daily meal plans, recipes, and tips for adopting a healthy plant-based diet.

To find out more about the environmental benefits of a plant-based diet, read the full report from the World Resources Institute here.