About ThinkBeef
Making the climate cost of protein choices clear, concrete, and shareable.
Our Purpose
Food production accounts for roughly 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with animal agriculture—particularly beef—being a significant contributor. Yet this impact often feels abstract and hard to grasp.
ThinkBeef exists to make these numbers tangible. By comparing foods on an equal-protein basis and translating differences into familiar terms like miles driven, we help people understand the real climate cost of their protein choices.
We're not here to tell you what to eat. We're here to ensure you can make informed decisions with clear, accurate data.
Our Values
Accuracy
We use peer-reviewed research and clearly document our sources, assumptions, and limitations.
Fairness
We compare foods on equal nutritional terms, not arbitrary serving sizes that can mislead.
Respect
We present data without judgment. Food choices are personal, and we respect that complexity.
What We Don't Do
- ×No dietary advice. We compare emissions, not health outcomes. Consult healthcare professionals for nutritional guidance.
- ×No accounts or tracking. Your comparisons are private. We don't track what you compare or store personal data.
- ×No local producer data. We use global averages. Your local farm may be significantly better or worse than these figures.
- ×No absolute claims. We avoid language like "always" or "never." Context matters, and we acknowledge uncertainty.
The Data
Our primary data source is the landmark 2018 study by Poore and Nemecek, published in Science. This meta-analysis synthesized data from approximately 38,700 farms across 119 countries.
We express all emissions as kg CO₂e per 100g of protein, which allows meaningful comparison across foods with vastly different protein densities.
For complete details on our calculations, assumptions, and limitations, please see our methodology page.
Credits & Acknowledgments
ThinkBeef relies on the rigorous work of researchers who have quantified the environmental impacts of food production. We are grateful for:
- Poore & Nemecek for their comprehensive 2018 meta-analysis
- Our World in Data for making environmental research accessible
- The EPA for vehicle emissions data
Ready to Explore?
Start comparing protein sources and see the climate impact of different food choices for yourself.