Animal Product Consumption Leads to Land Loss

The Natural Academy of Sciences of the U.S. predicts that if global eating habits continue to reflect high consumption diets—diets containing large amounts of meat and other animal products—about 10 million km² of land will likely be cleared by 2050 to meet food demand.

There is hope, however, in the simple action of eating fewer animal products. Research reveals that a shift towards alternative diets, such as one of low consumption that reduces meat intake, could reduce that disastrous figure to about 2 million km², roughly one-fifth the size.

Through the gradual reduction of meat, eggs and dairy from the average consumer’s diet, serious and visible changes can be made possible. Every small choice towards non-livestock options aids in this global effort to lessen our adverse impact on the planet.

Written by Paris Martineau