Food companies must accelerate a switch towards plant-based diets to tackle climate change and reduce the extinction risk to nature, a new report by the Food Foundation has claimed.
It also warns the government that failure to address biodiversity loss in the agri-food sector, made worse by meat-based diets, will lead to much higher economic costs further down the line
The foundation, which is among those advising the Labour government on its new food strategy, says food production focused on animal-sourced foods is having a “catastrophic” impact on biodiversity and nature.
“Our food system is severely damaging the planet, contributing heavily to both greenhouse gas emissions, nature and biodiversity loss, and exerting pressure on ecosystems in multiple, interlinked ways,” says the report, titled The Nature and Biodiversity Costs of Our Diets: a Recipe for Disaster.
It adds: “Rethinking what we eat and how we produce food has the potential to mitigate the harm current food systems are having on nature and the environment, as well as unlocking significant benefits for public health and the economy.
“Changing how we produce food and shifting diets towards more healthy and sustainable plant-rich patterns ought to be a key strategy for ensuring the sustainability of our food supply and safeguarding our future.”
The report authors say that while meat can form part of a balanced diet, a growing number of climate and health organisations globally are agreed that high-income countries such as the UK need to be eating less. It cites organisations such as the World Health Organization and the Climate Change Committee, with the latter having recommended the UK reduce meat consumption by 25% by 2040 and 35% by 2050 to remain on track to meet climate targets.
The foundation also flags up Henry Dimbleby’s 2021 National Food Strategy for England, which recommended a 30% reduction in UK meat consumption by 2032 in order to meet both climate and health goals.
“These data show that eating less meat is also necessary to minimise the impact of our diets on species extinction and protect our planet’s biodiversity,” adds the report.
“Changes in land use, habitat destruction, and intensive agricultural practices are accelerating species extinction.
“Current UK dietary patterns, especially the consumption of red or ruminant meats like beef and lamb, are directly linked to increased extinction risks for numerous species.
“However, shifting to plant-based diets could reduce the projected number of extinctions linked to current dietary habits by 58%.”
The report claims the food system is a major driver of nature and biodiversity loss as a result of issues such as deforestation and industrial farming methods.
“Over the last few years, increasing attention has been paid by investors to the nature and biodiversity impacts of the food system, with the recognition of the need for an urgent shift towards more sustainable and healthier diets,” said Sarah Buszard, responsible investor engagement lead and co-author of the report.
“Since all of us are dependent on food production and consumption for our very survival, by extension the viability and prosperity of the whole economy – and not just investors in food businesses – is dependent on efficient and sustainable management of natural capital. How we move our food system to one that is healthier and more sustainable is something business leaders, investors and policymakers alike should be thinking about and taking urgent action on.”
Baroness (Joan) Walmsley, who chaired the House of Lords commitee on food diet and obesity, which called for reductions in meat production amog its recomendations, said the report showed the need for the government to act on switching diets towards more plant-based foods.
“Rethinking what we eat and how we produce food has the potential to mitigate the harm current food systems are having on the environment, as well as unlocking significant benefits for public health and the economy,” she said.
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