Rising Meat Consumption Drives Agrifood Emissions to 23-Year Peak

Story: Written by springnewsng February 23,2026
Greenhouse gas emissions from the global agrifood system have climbed to their highest level in 23 years, largely driven by surging demand for livestock products. The spike highlights the growing climate impact of meat and dairy production as consumption expands across both developed and emerging economies.
Analysts note that increased cattle, poultry, and dairy farming has significantly boosted methane and nitrous oxide emissions, outweighing efficiency gains in crop production and supply chains. Expanding herds, higher feed demand, and land-use pressures have intensified the sector’s environmental footprint.
The trend has renewed calls for climate-smart agriculture, improved livestock management, and shifts toward more sustainable diets to curb emissions growth while safeguarding food security. Without stronger policy action and innovation, experts warn agrifood emissions could continue to rise alongside global population and income growth.