Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 2/24/16

A new study warns that meeting EU 2050 climate targets could mean consumers would have to eat 50 percent less beef and mutton than they are now, but they could  continue eating pork and chicken at current rates.

A study published in the February issue of the journal Food Policy took into account technological developments in agriculture that have improved productivity.

“Under optimistic assumptions, these developments could cut current food-related methane and nitrous oxide emissions by nearly 50 percent. However, also dietary changes will almost certainly be necessary,” the study concluded. “Large reductions, by 50 percent or more, in ruminant meat (beef and mutton) consumption are, most likely, unavoidable if the EU targets are to be met. In contrast, continued high per-capita consumption of pork and poultry meat or dairy products might be accommodated within the climate targets.”

The study estimated reducing food waste plays a minor role for meeting the climate targets, lowering emissions only by an additional 1 percent to 3 percent.

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