COP30: United Nations Climate Change Conference

Food systems are one of the top drivers of climate change, contributing one-third (34%) of global GHG emissions. Even if fossil fuel emissions were eliminated immediately, emissions from food systems alone would be enough to increase global temperatures by more than 1.5°C.

Meat production and consumption are exacerbating this scenario. Livestock is responsible for 50% of methane emissions, which are much more potent than CO₂. And despite occupying 80% of global agricultural land, livestock provides only 17% of calories and 38% of protein consumed by people.

The World Bank ranks alternative proteins as the second most efficient climate mitigation solution in the agri-food industry, delivering 6.1 GtCO₂eq/year.

Assuming alternative proteins account for 30% of the global protein market, it would be possible to reduce methane emissions by up to 1.2 GtCO₂eq/year by 2050, or a quarter of the mitigation needed to meet the 1.5°C targets.

Compared to beef, cultivated meat uses 90% less land, 66% less water, and emits 92% less GHGs11. Plant-based meats cut land use by 91%, water by 93%, and emissions by 94%.

Government investments in alternative proteins could generate $686 billion in GVA and create 83 million jobs by 2050.

To achieve a 50% market share by 2050 and effectively contribute to climate goals, governments must invest US$4.4 billion/year in R&D and US$5.7 billion/year in commercialization incentives.

APs are currently absent from most climate finance frameworks. However, including them unlocks public and private funding aligned with mitigation, adaptation, biodiversity, and food security goals.

Countries are revising their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in early 2025. This is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to embed alternative proteins into national climate plans.