A plant-rich diet can deliver the province of Utrecht an emission reduction of 397 kton CO₂-eq per year by 2030. Even small changes in behaviour have an effect on health, the economy and the climate.
What it is
A plant-rich diet meets daily protein needs with healthy plant-based food, with attention to locally produced food and a regime of about 2,250 calories per day. Global dietary preferences — especially around meat, fish and dairy — are a major driver of emissions from agriculture, deforestation and land use. Plant-rich diets lower those emissions and are generally healthier, leading to fewer chronic diseases and lower healthcare costs.
Potential in Utrecht
The total addressable market is the population of the province of Utrecht (1,361,093 in 2018). An average Dutch person consumes 77.2 kg of meat per year; in the analysis, more plant-rich eating translates directly into less regional meat production. The plausible scenario assumes 11% less meat consumption, yielding 8 kton reduction; the ambitious scenario assumes 50% less, reaching 397 kton.
Co-benefits
Besides lower emissions, a plant-rich diet contributes to health and to savings, both individually and through lower healthcare costs. A focus on local food strengthens short supply chains and restores the relationship between citizens and farmers.
Provincial policy
The province of Utrecht joins the national prevention agreement and the national protein transition, which aims for a protein intake of 60% plant-based and at most 40% animal-based by 2030. This promotes healthy eating and makes the Netherlands more self-sufficient in sustainably produced plant proteins.
In practice
In the Utrecht neighbourhood of Rijnvliet, an edible environment is being created in which plants and trees produce food for residents, animals and the surroundings. At the Eekhoeve, visitors find a large experience garden with a vegetable and picking garden, offering a changing range of organic vegetables and flowers each season.
Frequently asked questions
How much CO₂ can a plant-rich diet save in Utrecht?
According to this assessment, up to 397 kton CO₂-eq per year by 2030 (ambitious scenario, 50% less meat), or 8 kton in the plausible scenario.
What exactly is a plant-rich diet?
A dietary choice that meets protein needs mainly with plant-based food, with attention to locally produced food and about 2,250 calories per day.
Is a plant-rich diet also healthier?
Plant-rich diets are generally healthier, leading to fewer chronic diseases and indirectly to lower healthcare costs.
Source: Preliminary Climate Solutions Assessment for the province of Utrecht (Drawdown Europe & New Economy, 2021), based on the Project Drawdown methodology. Part of the sector-based climate action plan for the province of Utrecht.