A study published in the journal PNAS has revealed that grass-fed beef is not as environmentally friendly as previously believed. Even under optimistic scenarios, grass-fed beef is found to be three to 40 times more carbon-intensive than most plant-based and animal-based alternatives. The study also challenges the notion that cattle grazing enhances soil carbon sequestration, suggesting that even if this were true, it would not significantly reduce beef’s carbon intensity.

Contrary to popular belief, grass-fed beef may even have a greater negative impact on the environment than industrial beef. Animals raised for grass-fed beef are fattened more slowly and do not grow as big, requiring more land to produce the same amount of meat and leading to deforestation to create pasture. Alternative proteins are highlighted as a solution, with the potential to reduce agricultural and land use greenhouse gas emissions significantly and combat climate change. The adoption of alternative proteins is seen as a crucial opportunity that should not be missed in driving towards a more sustainable and secure food system.