Non-vegetarian diets produce 59 percent more emissions

According to a new study led by the University of Leeds, healthier diets are linked to lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions. The scientists discovered that men’s diets, which usually consist of a larger amount of meat, are linked to 41 percent higher greenhouse gas emissions than women’s, and that non-vegetarian diets in general produce 59 percent more emissions than vegetarian ones.

Food production is a major source of greenhouse gases, accounting for over 30 percent of the total emissions. Less environmentally sustainable diets are usually more processed, energy-dense, and nutrient-poor. After identifying the amounts of emissions caused by 3,233 types of foods, the researchers evaluated the nutritional benefits and emission footprints of the diets of 212 UK adults over three days.

The scientists found that healthier diets were correlated with lesser amounts of greenhouse gas emissions. Non-vegetarian diets were associated with a 59 percent increase in emissions compared to vegetarian ones, and diets with greater amounts of meat, which were predominantly consumed by men, were linked to a 41 percent increase in emissions.

Moreover, the scientists discovered that diets containing more carbohydrates, saturated fats, and sodium tended to produce higher greenhouse gas emissions. 

“There are broad-brush concepts like reducing our meat intake, particularly red meat,” the study authors wrote. “But our work also shows that big gains can be made from small changes, like cutting out sweets, or potentially just by switching brands.” 

“Our work is not showing you need to give up meat entirely, but that diets with less meat are more sustainable,” explained study co-author Darren Greenwood, a biostatistician at the University of Leeds.

“Eat less meat. When you do eat meat, eat better quality meat. That’s the message. Cutting down on sweets, cakes and biscuits can also help reduce our impact on the environment, as well as being healthier.”

“Healthier diets had lower greenhouse gas emissions, demonstrating consistency between planetary and personal health,” the scientists concluded. 

Further research is needed to take into consideration more factors, such as food brands, countries of origin, and other environmental impacts besides those related to greenhouse gas emissions.

The study is published in the journal PLoS One.  

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By Andrei Ionescu, Earth.com Staff Writer