Plant-Based Alternatives: Better for Climate and Environment?

Plant-Based Alternatives: Better for Climate and Environment?

Meat consumption is declining, and plant-based alternatives are booming. Burgers, cold cuts, and spreads are meant to reduce the impact on climate and environment. But how big is the difference really? Studies show that eating less meat leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduced environmental impact.

Studies and Savings Potential

A Dutch study found that replacing half of meat consumption with plant-based alternatives could reduce CO₂ emissions and land use by around 40% and water usage by 30%. Other research reports CO₂ savings between 15% and 55%. In Germany, meat consumption is around 53 kg per person per year. Cutting it to 30 kg and including more plant-based products could reduce emissions by 22%, while reducing to 20 kg could lower them by 43%.

Uncertainties and Labeling

Plant-based products generally have a smaller ecological footprint than meat. Direct comparisons are difficult because studies use different calculation methods. Even cultured meat depends heavily on the energy source used. The WBAE recommends a climate label similar to France’s “Planet-Score” to make environmental impact transparent.