Americans Must Cut Beef Intake as Population Grows A growing population means a growing demand for food. To feed the global population of 10 billion in 2050, the World Resources Institute reports that Americans need to cut beef consumption by 40. That means every American could have only 1.5 hamburgers per week. If developed nations don't cut meat consumption, food demand could outpace population growth. Farmers may have to produce 56 more crop calories than in 2010. Beef generates 41 of livestock greenhouse gas emissions. So cutting down on beef consumption can help pave the way for a sustainable future.