‘Meat tax’ could have significant impact on environmental footprint, study finds

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Jonathan WattsJanuary 20, 2026 at 11:00 AM

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medium article 3 min

A new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, published in Nature Food, found that applying standard VAT rates to meat products in the EU could significantly reduce the environmental impact of food consumption. The study highlights that meat production contributes substantially to greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and pollution, yet most EU countries apply reduced tax rates to meat. Researchers calculated that ending these tax breaks could lower environmental damage by 3% to 6% at a minimal cost to households, around €26 annually. The study suggests that removing tax breaks on meat is a simple first step to reflect the true environmental costs of food production.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Bulgaria 40% Estonia 40% Denmark 40% Germany 50% Croatia 50% France 50% Italy 50% Spain 50% UK 60% Ireland 60% Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research 70% European Union ×490%

Keywords

meat tax 100% environmental impact 90% vat 80% meat consumption 70% ecological footprint 60% greenhouse gas emissions 60% carbon price 50% biodiversity loss 50% food policy 40%