Environmental research on food systems and ecological impact.
This page brings together scientific and environmental research related to how food production affects the Earth’s climate, water systems, forests, and biodiversity. The studies listed here examine the environmental footprint of animal agriculture compared to plant-based food systems.
Quick Facts & Selected Studies.
These sources help explain why compassionate food choices are also acts of environmental stewardship.
Quick facts.
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Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
What the research shows
Food production is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, with animal agriculture responsible for a significant share due to methane, land use, and feed production.
Key findings include:
Livestock contributes substantially to methane and nitrous oxide emissions
Plant-based diets are associated with lower carbon footprints
Dietary change is recognized as a climate mitigation strategy
Food systems play a major role in national and global emissions
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Dietary Change and Climate Impact Reduction
Even Moderate Dietary Shifts Can Move the Climate NeedleEnvironmental Impacts of Food Production
The Numbers Don't Lie: Animal Foods Cost the Planet Far MoreDietary Change and Climate Co-Benefits
One Dietary Shift, Two Global Benefits: Climate and HealthLivestock’s Long Shadow
The FAO's Landmark Report: Livestock's Enormous Environmental CostClimate Change and Food Systems
The IPCC: Food Systems Are a Major Driver of Climate Change -
Water Use and Scarcity
What the research shows
Animal agriculture is one of the most water-intensive forms of food production due to irrigation of feed crops and animal consumption.Key findings include:
Thousands of gallons of water required per pound of beef
Plant-based foods generally require far less water
Water stress is increasing globally
Diet influences regional water security
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Dietary Patterns and Environmental Resource Use in the U.S.
Vegan Diets Use the Least Water — By a Wide MarginDietary Patterns and Environmental Impact (Including Water Use)
Your Diet Has a Water Footprint — And It MattersWater Use and Scarcity in Animal Agriculture
Water Scarcity Is a Food System ProblemThe Water Footprint of Diets
Plant-Based Diets Use Water More WiselyIntegrating Water Scarcity and Pollution in Water Footprints
Animal Agriculture Is Draining Our Freshwater — And Polluting What's Left -
Deforestation and Land Use
What the research shows
Large areas of forest are cleared to create pasture and grow feed crops for livestock, contributing to habitat loss and carbon release.Key findings include:
Animal agriculture is a leading driver of deforestation
Vast land use inefficiency compared to plant-based foods
Forest loss accelerates climate change
Land use change affects indigenous and rural communities
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Global Remote Sensing Survey of Forest Resources
Satellites Confirm: Forests Are Falling for FoodAgriculture and Forest Loss Trends (Remote Sensing Evidence)
Nearly 90% of Deforestation Is Caused by AgricultureGlobal Drivers of Deforestation and Forest Degradation
Agriculture Drives Deforestation — The Science Is UnambiguousGlobal Forest Resources Assessment
Millions of Hectares of Forest Lost Each Year — Mostly to AgricultureDrivers of Global Deforestation
The World's Forests Are Being Cleared for Animal Agriculture -
Biodiversity Loss
What the research shows
Habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change driven by food systems contribute to species extinction and ecosystem instability.Key findings include:
Agricultural expansion reduces wildlife habitat
Livestock production impacts pollinators and aquatic life
Ecosystem resilience declines with biodiversity loss
Diet influences ecological footprints
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Land-Use Change and Biodiversity Loss (Conceptual & Policy Analysis)
Land Use for Food Is One of Biodiversity's Greatest ThreatsAgricultural Land Use and Species Extinction Risk
The Way We Farm Is Pushing Species Toward ExtinctionGlobal Impacts of Agriculture on Biodiversity
Global Supply Chains Connect Your Plate to Ecosystem CollapseBiodiversity Impacts of Land-Use Change
80% of Biodiversity Loss Traced Back to Agricultural Supply ChainsGlobal Food System and Biodiversity Loss
The UN Is Clear: Our Food System Is Destroying Biodiversity