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Worldwide, livestock farming accounts for a staggering 14,5-18% of our total global greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, a current Study of the Research Institute for Organic Farming (FiBL Austria) in cooperation with the Center for Global Change and Sustainability of BOKU on behalf of FOUR PAWS the concrete effects of a significantly reduced meat consumption on animal husbandry, animal welfare and the climate in Austria. It is obvious that if meat consumption were to be reduced, fewer animals would have to be kept and emissions of greenhouse gases would also be reduced as a result. This study shows for the first time to what extent this would happen and how much more space and quality of life the animals would have in Austria. Clear conclusion: the less meat, the better for animals, the environment - and ultimately also for people.
The authors of the study examined three scenarios:
- a two-thirds reduction in meat consumption by the population according to the recommendation of the Austrian Society for Nutrition (ÖGE) (19,5 kg/person/year)
- an ovo-lacto-vegetarian diet for the population (ie no meat is consumed, but milk and egg products)
- a vegan diet for the population
More quality of life for animals and more space available
“The result of the study is impressive. It shows that with less meat consumption, not only would there be more space and thus a better quality of life for the remaining animals, they could all live on pasture. We are talking about an additional remaining area of around 140.000 hectares in the case of meat reduction by two thirds and around 637.000 hectares in the case of a vegetarian diet. With a vegan diet, which does not require livestock to produce food, the additional area available is almost 1.780.000 hectares. These vacated usable areas could, for example, be used for a conversion to organic farming or for renaturation or for the creation of moors for CO2 storage," explains FOUR PAWS campaign manager Veronika Weissenböck.
Up to two thirds less greenhouse gas emissions
Equally impressive is the impact on the climate. "In the case of a diet with less meat, we could save 28% of greenhouse gases in Austria in the food sector. With an ovo-lacto-vegetarian diet, almost half (-48%) of the diet-related greenhouse gases would be saved, with a vegan diet even more than two thirds (-70%). That would be an incredibly important contribution, especially with regard to the climate goals," says Weissenböck.
“We are currently dealing with multiple crises that also include the food system, health and the climate crisis. If we want to take the pressure off of the land we have available and at the same time benefit the health of humans and animals, then the transformation to diets with a strong emphasis on plants is essential," says Martin Schlatzer from FiBL Austria.
The current Austrian reduction target for greenhouse gas emissions according to the Paris climate protection agreement is a minus of 36% by 2030. A diet according to ÖGE could contribute at least 21% to this, the vegetarian scenario with 36% more than a third. The vegan scenario could even make a contribution of 53% to the total greenhouse gas emission target in Austria.
“Less meat, less heat” – Weissenböck uses this motto to summarize the conclusion of the study: “Every single Austrian can make a very significant contribution to animal and climate protection with their diet. At the same time, the study also shows that the food supply and food security in Austria would not be jeopardized even if there were no meat and animal products at all. FOUR PAWS therefore sees its demands on politicians to take more measures to reduce meat consumption as confirmed. Without a doubt, the future lies in plant-based nutrition.”
“Flexitarian and vegetarian diets can take an important step towards achieving the Paris climate goals, especially in the climate sector. In addition, there are positive co-benefits for the resilience of the food system, biodiversity and the prevention of future pandemics," says Martin Schlatzer.
Photo / Video: Shutterstock.
