Choice of Protein Impacts GHG Emissions
The Art
The Science
Greenhouse gas emissions from protein production vary greatly according to food type.
“Estimated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from protein production vary widely depending on food type. Global median emissions (in kg of carbon dioxide [CO2] equivalents for every 100 g of protein produced) are shown here for 11 major protein sources. Although cereal grains have lower protein content, they are included here because they contribute 41% to global protein intake. While US emissions values may differ slightly from global values, the relative differences in GHG emissions by protein type are expected to be consistent.” Fifth National Climate Assessment, Ch. 11
