Global food production accounts for a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization estimates meat and dairy produce alone contribute 14.5% [1]. The graphic below highlights just how high the carbon footprint of beef and other meat and dairy produce is relative to plant-based alternatives. This high carbon output can be reduced through better food production practices and increased food supply efficiency - higher quality or less carbon intensive feed is one option. A simpler alternative, and one that individuals have complete control of, is to reduce meat and dairy consumption in their diet.

Source: https://interactive.carbonbrief.org/what-is-the-climate-impact-of-eating-meat-and-dairy/

 

A study published in Climatic Change [2] found that an average meat-eater switching to a vegan diet would cut more than half of their diet-associated carbon footprint. While such an extreme diet change may not appeal to everyone, it highlights the impact a lifestyle change in meat or dairy consumption could have.

[1] http://www.fao.org/3/i3437e/i3437e.pdf

[2] Scarborough et al. 2014. Dietary greenhouse gas emissions of meat-eaters, fish-eaters, vegetarians and vegans in the UK. Climatic Change 125 179-192.