The future is fungi
Replacing just 20 per cent of the world’s beef consumption with microbial protein, such as Quorn – a protein derived from fungi – could halve deforestation over the next 30 years, according to the latest analysis. It would reduce future increases in global pastureland and cut deforestation and related CO2 emissions in half, whilst also lowering methane emissions. Deforestation, of course, also devastates wildlife.
“The food system is at the root of a third of global greenhouse gas emissions, with ruminant meat production being the single largest source” said Dr Florian Humpenöder, who led the study. The protein quality of microbial meat is equivalent to beef but requires 90 per cent less land and water and produces 80 per cent less greenhouse gas emissions.
Humpenöder F, Bodirsky BL, Weindl I et al. 2022. Projected environmental benefits of replacing beef with microbial protein. Nature. 605 (7908) 90-96.
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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