Akihabara News (Tokyo) – This year’s government White Paper on Environment, Recycling Society and Biodiversity has declared in support of alternative meats in order to transition towards a decarbonized society and to tackle the climate crisis.
The white paper is a report edited and reviewed every year based upon the Basic Environment Law, the Basic Law for Establishing a Recycling Society, and the Basic Law on Biodiversity. It provides an in-depth overview of environmental issues to encourage people to participate and cooperate.
In this year’s white paper, the government focuses on the transition to a decarbonized society, including, for the first time, the promotion of alternative meat products. The paper details the negative impacts of the mass production of processed meats for the environment.
According to the paper, production and consumption of meat causes high levels of carbon dioxide emissions during the transportation of feed supplies and the release of methane by livestock. Alternative meats sourced from plant-based products, such as soy, are said to possess a more sustainable footprint.
Since Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s declaration that Japan will aim to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, many businesses have started using and offering alternative plant-based meats.
For example, Ikea Japan is currently serving up vegan beef curry as part of its Sustainable Food Fair. This beef is made of soy and is part of its initiative to transition its menus into fully plant-based foods.