Report Urges 20% Cut in Meat and Dairy to Decarbonize the UK Food System by 2050

A new report suggests that reducing meat and dairy consumption by 20% is vital to decarbonize the UK food system and meet net-zero emissions targets by 2030 and 2050. The report emphasizes the need for both supply and demand-side actions, including dietary changes and reducing food waste, to significantly lower carbon emissions. It recommends a 20% reduction in red meat and dairy consumption by 2030, with greater reductions by 2050 to meet Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) goals.

The report also highlights the importance of reducing food waste, with a target of a 50% per capita reduction by 2030. A future scenario aims to decrease food demand by 15% by 2050 to reduce waste levels further and achieve additional emissions reductions. Collaboration between industry stakeholders and government entities will be crucial in implementing effective policies and practices to reach these ambitious targets.