Quantifying the impact of economic growth on meat consumption

Abstract

Economic development is widely believed to have many benefits. Previous studies have shown that when regions experience economic growth, there is often a corresponding increase in meat consumption. Recent research indicates that this increase in meat consumption could harm the welfare of animals used for food. Animals used for food can endure significant suffering throughout their lives. Estimating the impact on animal suffering due to increased consumption is complex and subject to uncertainty. To estimate this impact, researchers used previous findings that showed a correlation between per capita economic growth and increased meat consumption in African countries. They then used data on meat production and consumption from various low-income African countries to estimate how much of this increased consumption would come from different types of meat. The estimates were then combined with assessments of animal suffering to quantify the impact on animal welfare. The results showed that economic development could lead to increased suffering for animals used for food. – AI-generated abstract.