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Environment
Jun 08, 2026
Analyzed by GPT OSS 120B

UN Report Shows Global Chicken Consumption Six Times Higher Than 1961

AI Summary
A new UN‑backed FAO report reveals that the average person now eats about six times more chicken and twice as much pork than in 1961, while global meat supply has quadrupled. The surge raises urgent questions about climate impact, food security and future dietary shifts.

Six‑Fold Surge in Global Chicken Consumption Since 1961

The latest FAO assessment, commissioned by the UN, finds that the average person consumes roughly 17 kg of poultry per year in 2022, up from under 3 kg in 1961 – a six‑times increase. Pork intake has also doubled, while beef supply has remained flat.

Quantifying the Four‑Decade Meat Supply Jump

  • Global meat supply rose from 25 kg per person (1961) to 47 kg per person (2022).
  • Poultry: 3 kg → 17 kg per capita.
  • Pork: 7.5 kg → 15 kg per capita.
  • Beef: steady at 9 kg per capita.
  • Approximately 14 % of meat and milk is lost or wasted before reaching consumers.

Environmental and Health Implications of Expanding Livestock Production

Agriculture is the second‑largest polluting sector worldwide, and livestock accounts for an estimated 80 % of projected emission growth over the next decade. The report highlights that low‑ and middle‑income regions face higher relative costs for animal foods, while high‑income nations drive “excessive consumption.” Experts warn that without dietary shifts, meeting IPCC climate targets will be increasingly difficult.

What the Next Decade May Hold for Meat Demand and Climate Goals

FAO officials say a follow‑up report later this year will examine environmental sustainability in depth, suggesting potential policy levers such as reducing antimicrobial resistance and improving production efficiency. Researchers argue that without a clear push toward reduced meat intake in wealthy countries, the sector’s emissions could outpace the 1.5 °C warming limit.