The Role of Alternative Proteins in Addressing World Hunger and Climate Change in 2023

A basket containing various types of foods

As an environmental recruitment firm, we work with companies that are either reducing the impact of meat production or creating “alternative proteins”

Read on to hear more about the role of alternative proteins in addressing world hunger and climate change in 2023, and how you can help by joining one of these organisations.

Meat consumption has been a part of human history for centuries. Humans have hunted, farmed, and scavenged animals for meat since prehistoric times. Over the years, meat consumption has risen dramatically, with humans now consuming millions of tonnes of meat each year.

The most consumed animal meat by humans varies worldwide, depending on cultural or religious factors, availability, and affordability. According to the UN’s FAO, Pork is the most widely eaten meat in the world, followed by poultry and beef.

However, meat consumption has for a long time been linked to several health and environmental concerns.

Meat consumption has been linked to increased risk of total mortality, cardiovascular disease, colorectal cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

According to an article by the Guardian, study participants who reported consuming meat regularly (three or more times per week) had more adverse health behaviours than participants who consumed meat less regularly.

Meat consumption also has negative environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, water pollution and water scarcity, which are all associated with climate change.

Industrial meat is, for example, the single biggest cause of deforestation globally.

Therefore, reducing meat consumption can have a significant positive impact on both human health and the environment.

However, adequate intake of protein is essential for humans to survive. Protein is a necessary dietary component because it fuels your cells so you have the energy you need to stay active, maintain muscle mass and keep blood sugars stable. Protein is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, and skin and is important for carrying oxygen around the body.

Therefore, it is not surprising that alternative protein sources are becoming increasingly popular as people look for more sustainable and healthy options other than meat.

Alternative proteins are protein sources that are not derived from traditional animal products like meat, dairy, seafood, and eggs. Examples include:

• Tofu

• Tempeh

• Seitan

• Pulses

• Algae

• Seeds

• Nuts

• Insects

• Plant-based meat alternatives

• Myco-protein

• Laboratory-grown meat

They are designed to provide a sustainable and ethical alternative to conventional animal-based proteins.

According to the Good Food Institute Alternative proteins require fewer resources, such as land and water, and generate fewer negative externalities like greenhouse gas emissions and pollution compared to conventionally produced proteins.

When it comes to protein source parity, on average, beef contains around 20-26 grams of protein per 100 grams, depending on the cut and the amount of fat while tofu, a soy-based protein, contains around 10-20 grams of protein per 100 grams.

But when it comes to nutritional value, animal proteins are considered complete proteins as they contain all nine essential amino acids that the body needs. Plant proteins are often, but not always, incomplete sources of protein, meaning they lack one or more of the essential amino acids. Nevertheless, by consuming a variety of plant-based protein sources, it is possible to get all the essential amino acids needed by the body.

There are several large animals that primarily consume plant-based protein. These include elephants, rhinos, giraffes, hippos, gorillas and cows. This demonstrates that it is possible to sustain large bodies and thrive on a plant-based diet.

While there is a huge advantage in adopting an alternative meat/protein diet, there are also obstacles that come with it.

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