Global meat consumption surges, but report avoids recommending reduction

Global meat consumption has surged dramatically, with the average person now consuming nearly twice as much chicken and six times as much pork as their grandparents did in 1961. This rise is reflected in the quadrupling of the world's meat supply over the past six decades, a trend expected to continue.

Data from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reveals significant shifts in dietary habits. Poultry consumption jumped from under 3 kg per person in 1961 to 17 kg in 2022, while pork intake doubled to 15 kg. In contrast, beef consumption, known for its higher environmental footprint, has remained steady at around 9 kg per person. Overall, global meat supply per capita increased from 25 kg in 1961 to 47 kg in 2022.

The report also points to substantial food loss, with about 14% of meat and dairy products wasted during production or discarded before reaching consumers. The expansion of meat production carries significant environmental consequences, as agriculture is the second-largest polluting sector globally, with livestock farming contributing heavily to projected greenhouse gas emission increases.

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regional distribution and access are still very uneven

Furthermore, the FAO report underscores global inequalities in access to animal proteins. Meat is significantly more expensive relative to income in low- and middle-income countries compared to wealthy nations, where health and climate experts often advocate for reduced meat intake. Daniela Battaglia of the FAO noted the "very uneven" regional distribution and access, with high-income countries maintaining high consumption while low-income nations face affordability challenges.

Despite the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) identifying a shift to plant-based diets as a key measure for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the FAO report, reviewed by industry and academics, does not recommend reduced meat consumption. This stance has drawn criticism from some scientists, like Cleo Verkuijl of the Stockholm Environment Institute, who argue the report adequately documents the problem but falls short of recommending necessary solutions, particularly concerning overconsumption in wealthy nations.

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This report clearly documents the problem, but it's far from touching on the conclusion.