Global Shift in Meat Consumption: A Tale of Two Worlds
In recent years, Western nations have been moving towards greener diets, with meat consumption in the UK hitting its lowest levels since the 1970s as per a Guardian Report.
Veganism has seen a surge, and vegetarian or pescatarian diets have become mainstream for 11% of the population.
It’s a step forward in the fight against climate change, as livestock farming contributes 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Cattle farming, in particular, drives deforestation, especially in regions like Brazil.
The Rise of Meat Consumption in Developing Nations
But here’s the twist: while the West seems to be going green, the Global South is turning red—literally and figuratively. Meat consumption in developing nations has grown three times faster than in wealthier countries.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) projects a staggering 73% increase in global meat consumption by 2050, driven largely by industrialization and rising incomes in places like China, Brazil, and India.
In China, meat consumption has doubled compared to the United States, while Brazil’s has quadrupled since 1961.
Even in countries where cultural or religious practices traditionally limited meat consumption, demand is growing. India, for instance, is expected to see a 17% rise in meat consumption between 2005 and 2025.
Western Consumption Patterns Still Dominate Globally
However, despite the West’s embrace of plant-based diets, it still leads to global meat consumption.
Australians and Americans top the charts, consuming three times more meat and four times more dairy than people in developing nations.
Signs of Change in Meat-Eating Nations
That said, not all is lost. Even in Brazil, beef consumption has dropped to its lowest point in 28 years, suggesting potential for more sustainable diets.
Plus, there’s been a noticeable shift from red meat to poultry and pork, both of which have lower environmental footprints.
Challenges and the Path Forward
The journey to widespread dietary change isn’t without its hurdles. Even with growing awareness, the reality is that economic, cultural, and political barriers remain.
Steven Lord, a food systems expert from the University of Oxford, warns that telling people what to eat is “political suicide.”
If we’re to truly change global eating habits, we’ll need more than just awareness—we’ll need to tackle the deep-rooted systems that drive demand.
As the world grapples with climate change, the battle over what’s on our plates is far from over. Whether we’re going green or staying red, one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher.
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