Post on 22-Nov-2014
description
Meet your Meat: Trends and Impacts of
Meat Production
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©Worldwatch Institute
Sources: FAOSTAT
World meat production has increased more than 4-fold since 1961
Mil
lio
n T
on
s
308.5 million tons (2013)
Worldwatch Institute | Vital Signs Online
Top Meat Exporters 2013
Top exporting countries
1.7
7.6
6.4
1.9
2
1.8
4
Worldwatch Institute | Vital Signs Online
Top Meat Producers, by Continent
131.5 58.5
47.2
39.9
… Million Tons
North America
Europe
Asia
South America
Worldwatch Institute | Vital Signs Online
About 43 kg of meat per capita were consumed in 2013
Industrial countries:
76 kg per capita
Developing countries:
33 kg per capita
But the
gap is
slowly
narrowing
Worldwatch Institute | Vital Signs Online
Close to 70% of agricultural land is used for pasture
Another 10% is used to grow feed for livestock
Worldwatch Institute | Vital Signs Online
Sales
Meatland
Other land
Beef production is very resource-intensive
It uses 60% of farmland, but yields less than 5% of world’s protein
60%
5%
60%
protein farmland
Worldwatch Institute | Vital Signs Online
Agriculture uses 70% of the world’s available freshwater
One third of that is used to produce feed for livestock
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Beef is much more water-intensive than many staple foods
Beef
Rice Eggs
15,000 1,000 3,300
Milk
3,400 250
Potatoes
Liters per kilogram
Worldwatch Institute | Vital Signs Online
Alternatives in meat production could reduce impacts
Using grass instead of grain for feed Reduces competition for food between cattle and people
Using natural fertilizers Lowers use of synthetic fertilizers
Ending factory-style production Reduces dependence on antibiotics
Worldwatch Institute | Vital Signs Online
Sales
Meatland
Other land
Changes in meat consumption could reduce impacts
Eating less meat
Choosing lower-impact meats
Worldwatch Institute | Vital Signs Online
For more information, visit our Vital Sign:
bit.ly/meatpro
About Vital Signs Online:
Vital Signs Online is produced by the Worldwatch Institute and provides business leaders, policymakers, and engaged citizens with the latest data and analysis they need
to understand critical global trends.
vitalsigns.worldwatch.org
About the Worldwatch Institute:
Through research and outreach that inspire action, the Worldwatch Institute works to accelerate the transition to a sustainable
world that meets human needs.
www.worldwatch.org
www.worldwatch.org
bit.ly/meatpro
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