Frequently Asked Question
Environment“Plant-based is more efficient (thermodynamics / trophic levels)”
Last reviewed: January 9, 2026
Summary
Converting crops into animal products loses energy and protein at each trophic step, so producing animal calories/protein generally requires more land and inputs than producing plant foods directly. Empirical analyses show that reallocating crops currently fed to animals could feed many more people.
Evidence Summary
- Opportunity-cost studies quantify large calorie/protein losses from feeding edible crops to livestock.
- Land and resource use per unit food is typically higher for animal products. Evidence quality: High Limitations / nuance: Some grazing uses non-arable land; but overall land-use and opportunity-cost results remain substantial. Bottom line: Efficiency is not a “debate”; it’s basic ecology + measured food-system data.
Supporting Evidence
This is basic ecological thermodynamics: energy is lost at each transfer between trophic levels.