Temporal and spatial variations of land carbon loss caused by animal-sourced foods consumption in China and the driving factors

Abstract

The booming animal-sourced foods consumption is a crucial factor driving regional land carbon loss due to the expanded feed use, especially in countries with rapid economic growth. Here, we contribute to revealing the land carbon loss of increased animal-sourced foods consumption in China. Results show that animal-sourced foods consumption in China increased significantly during 2000–2020, especially for beef, dairy and poultry which increased by more than 200 %. As a result, land carbon loss of animal-sourced foods consumption in China has increased by approximately 42 % during the period. Spatially, land carbon loss of animal-sourced foods consumption in most eastern provinces intensified, while that in most western areas declined. The rise of animal-sourced foods consumption per capita was the prominent positive driver for the increase of land carbon loss, while the decline of land carbon loss intensity was the most negative factor. Overall, the booming consumption for animal-sourced foods in China had the dual effects on promoting human dietary and triggering land carbon loss. Therefore, it is essential to formulate strategies for coordinating animal-sourced foods demand and land carbon conservation.