Improving Human Diets and Welfare through Using Herbivore-Based Foods: 2. Environmental Consequences and Mitigations

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Agricultural Science
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Animal-sourced foods are vital for human nutrition but pose environmental challenges.
• Agricultural expansion for animal products contributes to land use conflicts and habitat loss.
• Environmental impacts include greenhouse gas emissions, high water usage, and water quality degradation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the environmental footprint of animal-sourced foods and plant-based alternatives.
• To identify and assess technologies and practices for mitigating the environmental impact of animal agriculture.
• To explore solutions for sustainable food production to meet growing global demand.

Main Methods:

• Life cycle analysis (LCA) from cradle-to-distribution was employed.
• Comparison of environmental footprints between beef, feedlot-finished beef, and plant-based meat alternatives.
• Review of various technological and management practices for impact mitigation.

Main Results:

• Plant-based meat alternatives can have a lower environmental footprint than feedlot-finished beef but higher than well-managed grazed beef.
• Numerous mitigation strategies exist, including optimized grazing, dietary additives, improved breeding, and manure management.
• Technological advancements and refined management systems are crucial for reducing environmental impacts.

Conclusions:

• Sustainable animal agriculture is achievable through the strategic implementation of various mitigation technologies and practices.
• Continuous refinement of production systems is necessary to balance food provision for a growing population with environmental protection.
• Integrating innovative approaches can significantly lessen the environmental burden of animal-sourced foods.