Former president of Ireland Mary Robinson has urged people to address the climate change challenge by reducing meat consumption.

“We need each of us to think about our carbon footprint,” Robinson said, speaking at the One Young World Summit in Ottawa, Canada, recently. “Eat less meat, or no meat at all. Become vegetarian or vegan.’’

“Let’s commit to the Paris agreement. Let’s commit to leave no one behind.”

Demand from developing countries

IFA environment chair Thomas Cooney pointed out that calls to reduce meat consumption in developed countries ignored the reality that growing protein demand comes from the developing world. Meat consumption in developed countries grew by 1.3% in the last 10 years compared with 6.1% in developing countries, while milk consumption increased by 0.3% compared with 3.8% in developing countries, the IFA stressed.

“Developing credible proposals for sectors such as transport and energy, which make up 90% of emissions in the EU, would be a better focus than pursuing unrealistic meat-free proposals,” Cooney said.

Dairy-free cheese

Separately, Sainsbury’s has announced that it is now stocking dairy-free cheeses. They are based on coconut oil and other ingredients including potato starch and soya protein.

The seven new cheeses include imitations of cheddar, Wensleydale, feta, plus a variety of soft cheeses, which are suitable for both vegans as well as lactose intolerant people.

These cheese alternatives allow shoppers to prepare meals and enjoy products that they have previously missed out on, according to Sainsbury’s product developer Alexa Masterson.

John Boylan contributed reporting for this story.

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