The report, which is titled ‘Seventh Carbon Budget’, calls for meat consumption, especially red meat, to fall by 25% - 30% and dairy by 20% by 2040, to be replaced with plant-based foods and alternative proteins.
Jasmijn de Boo, global chief executive at ProVeg International, said: “This is the right direction to take for the food system, in light of the huge impact that animal agriculture has on our planet. We urge the UK Government to take its climate advisors seriously, heed this advice and incorporate it into Government food policies as soon as possible.”
The report also recommends public education on plant-based diets, clear labelling and support for low-income households.
Sophia Millar, head of programmes at ProVeg UK, added: "It's fantastic to see the Climate Change Committee's call for a shift in food systems transformation, and one that we hope the Government accedes to.
“We're already making meat and dairy reduction simple with our School Plates programme that's seen over 90 catering partners increase the quantity and quality of plant-based school food offerings at more than 8,000 schools.
“This report provides a great opportunity to platform the incredible benefits of plant-based foods, and all the good this essential dietary change will bring not only for the planet, but for our health. We're excited for the power of plants to take centre stage and will continue to champion plant-based as the default across public sector catering.”
Major food recommendations in the UK Seventh Carbon Budget report include:
- Meat and dairy reduction: ProVeg says this could be achieved through greater public procurement of plant-based foods.
- Reduction in cattle and sheep: The committee recommends that the numbers of cattle and sheep should decrease by 27% to lower emissions.
- Agricultural emissions: The committee recommends a 39% reduction in agricultural emissions by 2040.
- Carbon leakage prevention: The committee cautions that policies must prevent increased meat and dairy imports offsetting domestic reductions.
- Consumer awareness and affordability: Public education on plant-based diets, clear labelling, and support for low-income households are recommended.