Accelerating the Protein Transition
The global transition to a low-carbon economy is recognized as humanity’s greatest challenge of the 21st century. A parallel—and equally urgent—transition is needed to transform global agricultural and dietary practices. Livestock account for nearly 15 percent of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, making animal agriculture the second largest contributor to climate change after fossil fuel use. Raising and feeding farm animals places immense pressure on ecosystems and threatens biodiversity. The UN projects that global meat production will increase a further 50 percent by 2050. Without intervention, we are facing a future where the world produces significantly more animal products.
This protein transition seeks to mitigate the impact of animal agriculture on carbon emissions and biodiversity loss. The field of cellular agriculture is based on the idea that cells—not living animals—should be the basis of agriculture in the future. It is a simple idea with profound promise for animal welfare, biodiversity, and climate. The Consecon Foundation will support charitable and non-profit organizations working in the various area of cellular agriculture, including academic research and public policy.