What diet helps the climate
In a study, the WWF examines the climate impact of different eating styles. Unsurprisingly, the more plant-based products consumed, the better the climate footprint.
The WWF had the life cycle assessment specialist ESU-services calculate the greenhouse gas emissions of seven different eating styles. The results show: The more plant-based instead of animal-based products, the better for the climate. A protein junkie with his high consumption of meat, dairy products and eggs causes the equivalent of 2,350 kg of CO2 per year. This corresponds to around 11,700 car kilometers (for comparison: according to the Swiss Federal Statistical Office, the Swiss population drives an average of almost 10,000 kilometers per capita and year by car). The vegan, on the other hand, who eats exclusively vegetable proteins, causes just half that amount (5,600 car kilometers) with 1,124 kg of CO2.
Animal products should be exception
"Anyone who enriches their menu with vegetarian dishes and enjoys meat and dairy products as something special is doing a lot of good for the environment," says Christoph Meili, life cycle assessment expert at WWF Switzerland. This is also borne out by the results of the flexitarian, whose consumption is in line with the recommendation of the Swiss Society for Nutrition (for meat eaters, two to three times a week is sufficient from a health point of view). He manages to cause only 1,495 kg of CO2 with the food he consumes.
Increase awareness
On average, animal proteins are responsible for half of the environmental pollution caused by food. The less of them, the better for the climate. "Many Swiss people are not aware of the greater impact of animal products." This is also evidenced by FOEN's 2015 representative survey, in which respondents incorrectly rated reduced meat consumption as the least effective. "For the reduction of our ecological footprint, it is crucial that consumers become more aware of environmentally friendly products," Meili emphasizes.
The study examined the food groups beverages, fats and oils, vegetable proteins, animal proteins, cereal products, meat and fish, vegetables and fruits. The transport, distribution and packaging of the foods were also taken into account. Not included in the analysis were home transportation, cooking and refrigeration in the home, and any health and medical aspects.
