Animal proteins They play an essential role in our diet and, particularly, in the maintenance and development of muscle tissueHowever, its increasing production and consumption are generating important debates regarding sustainability and environmental impactThis article addresses both the nutritional and ecological implications of animal protein consumption, and why we need to reconsider our dietary choices in the context of climate change.
The role of proteins in our diet
Proteins are necessary for the functioning of the human body. In addition, athletes, people who want to lose weight or simply maintain a healthy lifestyle, tend to increase their protein intake. However, much of this protein, especially that of animal origin, has a high calorie content. environmental cost.
This increase in consumption goes hand in hand with a demographic problem: it is estimated that by 2050, the world will be home to 9,6 billion inhabitants. Maintaining the pace of animal protein production to meet this demand is not viable from an ecological point of view. Currently, 70% of arable land and 40% of cereals are used for livestock production.
Environmental impact of animal protein production
One of the most striking effects of consuming animal protein is the water footprint. Producing one kilo of beef, for example, requires up to 15.000 litres of water, according to UNESCO reports. This massive use of resources makes large-scale animal farming unsustainable. The situation is even more serious when we consider that a large percentage of this water is used for crops that directly feed animals rather than people.
In addition to water, you need energetic resources massive amounts of food are needed to produce meat. For example, to obtain one kilo of beef, up to 7 kilos of grain are required, which results in a low energy yield. In its life cycle, an ox can consume up to 1300 kg of grain before being slaughtered.
From the point of view of greenhouse gases, intensive livestock farming also plays a crucial role. Ruminant animals, such as cows and sheep, are responsible for releasing methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. These emissions exacerbate the climate crisis, while industrial meat production accounts for 56-58% of global emissions from the food sector.
Comparison with vegetable proteins
Given this situation, a transition to diets based on vegetable proteinsNot only do plant-based proteins have a much lower environmental impact, they are also a more sustainable alternative. Recent studies, such as one by Oxford University in 2018, indicate that switching to plant-based products can reduce the impact of meat on the climate by up to 92%.
For example, the cultivation of green peas o nuts for human consumption has a considerably lower environmental footprint than animal farming. Plants require less land and water, and emit fewer greenhouse gases per gram of protein they provide.
In addition, a study by the journal Science concluded that in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, plant-based products have a ten-fold lower impact than animal-based products. Plant-based diets are therefore not only more environmentally friendly, but also offer health benefits.
However, switching all livestock production to plant crops is not a simple solution. Experts such as Pablo Manzano, from the Basque Center for Climate Change, point out that the Extense livestock farming, based on grazing, plays a positive role in biodiversity and in the sustainable use of the territory. While the industrial livestock has a high negative impact, extensive livestock farming can be part of an integrated solution.
Solutions and proposals to mitigate the impact
Although the shift to a greener food system is complex, there are several initiatives that seek to mitigate the environmental impact of animal protein production. One of them is the improvement in resource management within farms. For example, progress has been made in the feed conversion, which has meant that less feed is now needed to produce the same amount of meat or derived products, such as eggs.
In addition, some industries are introducing biofuels made from animal by-products, which contributes to reducing the global CO2 emissions generated in processing plants. On the other hand, waste recycling also plays a fundamental role, transforming organic waste into biodiesel or fertilizers.
Added to this, potentially game-changing alternatives are being developed, such as cultured meat and the precision fermentationThese technological advances could offer proteins with the same nutritional profile as animal proteins, but with a lower environmental impact.
As the world's population continues to grow, the issue of the environmental impact of animal protein becomes more urgent. Finding a balance between meeting food demand and protecting the planet's natural resources is vital. Reducing meat consumption in countries where it is high and promoting sustainable livestock production are key steps towards a solution.