May 10, 2021

UK aims for lower carbon emissions via lower meat consumption

The United Kingdom recently announced new climate change commitments, which entail cutting carbon emissions through specific ways including reducing meat and dairy consumption.

The country seeks a potential 78% reduction in emissions by 2035, bringing its current emissions reduction target forward by 15 years.

According to the Climate Change Committee, meat consumption should be reduced by up to a third. This public body, which does not depend on any UK ministry, recommends reducing consumption by 9% by 2025, 20% by 2030 and 35% by 2050.

Although the agriculture sector has welcomed the new measures to combat climate change, some groups disagree with the proposal regarding meat consumption.

Charity Sustainable Food Trust, which advocates for sustainable food systems, believes that stopping meat consumption "is not the answer". What should be done is to buy local British meat that is sustainably produced and meets stringent animal welfare requirements.

The organisation also highlighted that grass-fed livestock, in rotation with crops, is part of the solution to climate change, as it contributes to soil health and carbon sequestration. As such, it makes sense that sustainable meat consumption is a key part of emissions reduction planning.

- Boletín de Noticias del Exterior-MAPA (Spain)