Climate change, a term once confined to scientific journals, now dominates headlines and sparks global conversations and protests. It is not just a future threat; its effects are already being felt around the world—from intensifying heatwaves in Lagos to record rainfall and consequent floods in Congo.

Climate experts have said that what we eat, and how that food is produced, affects not only our health but also the environment. Two major culprits, among others, are animal fats and palm oil.

While they contribute significantly to the deliciousness of our dishes, their production poses—from how they are grown and processed, transported, distributed, prepared, consumed, and sometimes disposed of—serious threats to our planet’s health.

Each of these steps creates greenhouse gasses that trap the heat from the sun and contribute to climate change. About a third of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are linked to food.

The climate impact of food, according to the United Nations, is measured in terms of greenhouse gas emissions intensity. The intensity of emissions is expressed in kilograms of “carbon dioxide equivalents,” which include not only CO2 but all greenhouse gases – per kilogram of food, per gram of protein, or calorie.

However, Microsoft co-founder and renowned philanthropist, Bill Gates, is touting solutions that he said will benefit both humans and the climate. His latest investments are in two companies that are developing lab-made animal fat and an alternative to palm oil.

Animal fats, cherished for their rich flavours and unique textures in our favourite foods, are facing scrutiny for their role in climate change. The production of fats and oils from animals contributes around 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UN’s Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO).

In a recent article on his website, Gates expressed concern about the environmental impact of animal fats used in preparing cheeseburgers, his favourite food, and other meals.

“Cheeseburgers are my favorite food,” Gates wrote. “But I wish they weren’t, given the impact they have on the environment. I’ve tried many of the best meat and dairy replacements out there.”

The Microsoft founder insisted that existing plant-based alternatives often lacked the “greasy, oily sizzle” of animal fats that defines a classic burger and makes it so delicious—and difficult to replicate.”

“The secret ingredient is animal fat. It’s what gives so many foods their richness, juiciness, meltability, unique “mouthfeel,” and overall flavour……..Unfortunately, it’s also a disaster for the climate.”

Instead of urging people to give up their favourite foods, Gates believes the solution lies in the innovative lab-made animal fat.

The lab alternative, according to the one-time world’s richest man “can generate the same fat molecules found in animal products but without greenhouse gas emissions, animal suffering, or dangerous chemicals.”

Savor, a company Gates invested in is already working to make the “pipe dream” a reality.

Gates explains that what sets out Savor is that they make the same carbon and hydrogen chains found in actual animal fats—without involving animals or plants—by developing a process that involves taking carbon dioxide from the air and hydrogen from water, heating them up, and oxidizing them to trigger the separation of fatty acids and then the formulation of fat.

According to Gates, the result is real fat molecules that taste exactly like their animal-derived counterparts without releasing any greenhouse gases, no farmland and save water

“I’ve tasted Savor’s products, and I couldn’t believe I wasn’t eating real butter. (The burger came close, too.),” he wrote.

“Savor has a good chance of success here, because the key steps of their fat-production process already work in other industries.”

A video posted to the billionaire’s YouTube channel showed his food said to have been made with Savor’s fats.

With regards to palm oil, perhaps the most versatile plant-based fat in the world, Gates explained that another company he invested in is working on an alternative that is healthier for the planet.

“C16’s oil contains the same fatty acids, which means it can be used in the same applications,” Gates said. “And it’s as “natural” as palm oil—it’s just grown on fungi instead of trees. “

C16 Biosciences already launched a consumer product in 2023. And its key investor is betting on the company to succeed.

“The idea of switching to lab-made fats and oils may seem strange at first. But their potential to significantly reduce our carbon footprint is immense. By harnessing proven technologies and processes, we get one step closer to achieving our climate goals,” Gates explained.