Research
Animal-sourced food consumption and Canada’s emissions targets
August, 2022
Summary
This analysis, conducted for World Animal Protection Canada, examines the role of animal agriculture in achieving Canada’s emissions targets of a 40-45% reduction in emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050. Using a customized version of Navius’ energy-economy model, gTech, three scenarios were examined in which Canada achieves its emissions targets, each with different levels of future animal food consumption. Results highlight the impact of shifting food consumption preferences on Canada’s emissions and on the cost of achieving Canada’s emissions targets.
Highlights:
- If food consumption shifts away from animal-based foods towards plant-based alternatives, this reduces emissions from the agriculture sector and contributes towards achievement of Canada’s emissions targets.
- If future animal consumption is low, the resulting reduction in emissions could be enough, in combination with the implementation of ERP policies, to allow Canada to achieve it’s 2030 emissions target.
- Shifting towards less emissions intensive forms of agriculture can reduce policy compliance costs for the agriculture sector and reduce the cost of Canada achieving its climate targets, while maintaining economic growth.
Click above to download our technical report.
Click above to view an article on Cision featuring the report.
This study was commissioned and funded by World Animal Protection.
To learn more about this research, please contact Brianne Riehl.
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