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S. Koreans’ meat-heavy diet carries bigger carbon cost than 10 return flights to Jeju, report finds

From The Straits Times · (10m ago) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A South Korean's annual meat consumption generates greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 10 round-trip flights to Jeju Island, according to a report.
  • Meat consumption in South Korea produced an estimated 56.94 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions in 2024, accounting for about 34% of the country's coal-fired power plant emissions.
  • The report highlights that South Korea's meat consumption is more carbon-intensive than China and Japan due to higher per capita consumption and a greater share of beef.

A recent report has shed light on the significant environmental impact of South Korea's dietary habits, revealing that the average South Korean's annual meat consumption carries a carbon footprint equivalent to approximately 10 round-trip flights between Seoul and the popular tourist destination of Jeju Island. This stark comparison underscores the substantial greenhouse gas emissions linked to the nation's meat-heavy diet.

Meat consumed in South Korea generated an estimated 56.94 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions in 2024, according to Solution for Our Climate.

— Solution for Our ClimateReporting the estimated carbon emissions from meat consumption in South Korea for 2024.

The study, conducted by Solution for Our Climate, estimated that meat consumption in South Korea generated a staggering 56.94 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions in 2024. This figure is particularly alarming as it represents about 34% of the total annual emissions from the country's coal-fired power plants. On a per capita basis, this translates to roughly 1,115 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per person annually, highlighting the collective impact of individual dietary choices.

On a per capita basis, meat consumption generated 1,115kg of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per year. That is roughly equal to 21 one-way flights, or 10.5 round-trip flights, between Seoul and Jeju Island.

— Solution for Our ClimateIllustrating the per capita carbon emissions from meat consumption with a comparison to flights.

Furthermore, the report identifies South Korea's meat consumption structure as more carbon-intensive compared to its neighbors, China and Japan. This is attributed to a combination of factors, including higher per capita meat consumption and a greater preference for beef, which is significantly more emissions-intensive than pork or chicken. Beef production, in particular, is highlighted as a major contributor due to the longer raising periods for cattle and methane emissions generated during their digestion. The findings call for greater awareness and potential policy interventions to address the environmental consequences of dietary preferences in South Korea.

The report found that South Korea’s meat consumption structure is more carbon-intensive than that of China and Japan, partly because South Koreans eat more meat per person and consume a higher share of beef.

— Solution for Our ClimateExplaining why South Korea's meat consumption is more carbon-intensive than its neighbors.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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