Average person eats six times more chicken than in 1961, UN report finds Global meat supply has quadrupled in the last 60 years, with significant increases in poultry and pork consumption per person. Livestock farming contributes substantially to planet-heating emissions, yet the UN report, while documenting the issues, stops short of recommending reduced meat consumption in high-income countries. Experts argue that wealthy nations should prioritize dietary shifts to plant-rich diets to combat climate change.

• Global meat supply has risen fourfold in the past 60 years, with average consumption per person increasing significantly.
• Poultry consumption has increased sixfold, and pork consumption has doubled per person since 1961.
• Agriculture, particularly livestock, is a major contributor to global emissions and biodiversity loss.
• The UN report highlights unequal access to animal-source foods, with low-income countries facing affordability constraints.
• Critics argue the report fails to recommend meat reduction for high-income countries, despite their high consumption and the IPCC’s call for plant-rich diets.
• The FAO emphasizes technological solutions and balancing the benefits and drawbacks of animal-source foods, rather than outright reduction.