Swapping 20% of beef for microbial protein ‘could halve deforestation’

Move would also lower emissions by reducing razing of trees and methane emissions from livestock, scientists say

Replacing 20% of the world's beef consumption with microbial protein, such as Quorn, could halve the destruction of the planet's forests over the next three decades, according to the latest analysis.

The move would also halve emissions from the global food system, by reducing the razing of trees and the methane emissions from livestock. Previous studies have found meat alternatives have lower environmental footprints but this latest analysis is the first to assess what impact that could have in the world.