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Meat Consumption Fuels 329 Million Tons of CO2 Emissions

10/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A study by the University of Michigan and the University of Minnesota finds the 'carbon hoofprint' from meat consumption in U.S. cities amounts to 329 million tons of CO2-equivalent emissions annually across 3,531 cities.
Beef accounts for 73% of the hoofprint.
Reducing beef intake and minimizing food waste could cut emissions by over 50%.
The study calls for urban–rural collaboration to address climate impacts.

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Story summary

A study by the University of Michigan and the University of Minnesota finds the 'carbon hoofprint' from meat consumption in U.S. cities amounts to 329 million tons of CO2-equivalent emissions annually across 3,531 cities.
Beef accounts for 73% of the hoofprint.
Reducing beef intake and minimizing food waste could cut emissions by over 50%.
The study calls for urban–rural collaboration to address climate impacts.