shift proteins
Financing the future of food: the protein shift
More than 94.9 billion land animals are kept and killed for food each year — at enormous cost to the planet, human health and animals.
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A plant-forward “protein shift” can free billions of hectares of land, restore ecosystems, and improve food security while reducing emissions and animal suffering.
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Financial institutions play a critical role in accelerating this transition.
94.9B
land animals
are kept and killed for food each year - if fish are included, this number is in the trillions
at least
16.5%
of GHG emissions
is attributable to animal agriculture, on par with all forms of transportation combined
80%
of agri land is used for animals and feed
but animal protein contributes only 18% to global calorie intake
~60%
of global biodiversity loss
animal agriculture is responsible for roughly 60% of global biodiversity loss
The Protein Shift Responsible Minimum Standards (RMS)
Financial institutions can lead the protein transition by:
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Acknowledging the global need for a shift in protein production and consumption
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Setting objectives that align with net-zero and healthy diet pathways
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Developing strategies that reallocate capital and drive systemic change
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Monitoring and reporting transparently on portfolio progress
The Protein Shift RMS are organized into four primary opportunities, which are then followed by mitigation standards.
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What is the protein shift?
The transition from animal-based proteins to plant-based and alternative proteins. This transition should be supported by micro- and macro-economic efforts, including dietary shifts, innovative resource-efficient novel protein production systems and broad-scale agri-food system transformation.
The protein shift needs to be responsive to wide differences between and within countries, including excessive overconsumption of animal protein, food security, nutrition, income and more. A long-term global goal should be to increase the availability, accessibility and affordability of nutritious plant-based foods.
Plant-based proteins
Plant-based protein refers to protein derived from plants. Plant-based proteins include protein-rich whole plant foods such as pulses, nuts and seeds, and minimally processed plant-based foods such as tofu, tempeh and seitan.
Alternative protein
Alternative proteins refer to engineered proteins that are plant-based, cultivated or fermentation-derived. These innovative foods are intended to taste the same as, or better than, conventional animal products and to provide similar nutritional value while costing the same or less. This term covers a wide variety of emerging products, some of which use novel technologies that are not yet regulated. We define alternative proteins to include plant-based, cultivated and fermented foods.
Plant-centered diets
The EAT-Lancet Commission has proposed a sustainable and healthy diet compatible with planetary boundaries. It emphasizes a plant-based diet with a high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and unsaturated oils. The diet recommends moderate consumption of dairy, fish, and poultry, while limiting red meat, processed foods, and added sugars.
Benefits of the protein shift
Improve animal welfare
Less animals on farm means less animals suffering in global food systems.
Benefit health and diets
Support diets lower in saturated fat and higher in plant nutrients
Reduce climate impact
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other climate impacts from animal agriculture
Create new economic opportunities
Open markets for alternative protein innovation
Improve resource efficiency
Use less land, water and feed, ultimately improving resource efficiency
Improve food and nutrition security
Make protein production more resilient and scalable