Global meat eating, conceptual artwork. This global map with the outline of the Earth's countries filled in with a close-up of raw beef, represents the global consumption of meat and the impact this has on the environment. The production of meat consumes more resources (energy, water and land) than the production of equivalent levels of plant-based foods. In particular, tropical forests are cleared to provide grazing for cattle. Red meat also contains high levels of saturated fat, a risk factor for heart disease, cancer and high blood pressure.