Cambridge scientist says new sustainable protein plan could transform UK national security

UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE, UK – A new analysis published in The Conversation warns that the UK’s protein supply is a critical but overlooked vulnerability, one that could be exploited or destabilised by conflict, global trade disruptions, and accelerating climate impacts.

The article argues that rethinking how the UK produces and secures protein is no longer just an environmental or dietary issue, it is a matter of national security.

Dr Chris Macdonald, Cambridge scientist and Director of the Better Protein Institute, says “Half the UK’s land is tied up in livestock, yet the country still depends heavily on imports. Shifting to next-generation proteins could unlock land, cut risk, and future-proof the UK food system.”

Protein Supply: A Strategic Weak Point in Times of Conflict

In an era of rising geopolitical tension, food systems are increasingly recognised as strategic assets (and targets). The UK currently relies heavily on imported animal feed and protein inputs, leaving it exposed to disruptions caused by conflict or hostile state actions.

In scenarios of warfare or geopolitical escalation, supply could be rapidly constrained or weaponised. This would directly threaten domestic food production capacity, limiting the UK’s ability to sustain itself during prolonged crises.

A more self-sufficient, protein system would reduce reliance on vulnerable trade routes and strengthen the UK’s ability to withstand external shocks.

Trade Disruption: Fragile Global Supply Chains Under Pressure

Recent global events have demonstrated how quickly international trade can be disrupted—whether through conflict, sanctions, pandemics, or economic instability.

The UK imports a significant proportion of its protein, embedding systemic risk into its food supply. Even short-term interruptions can lead to price spikes, shortages, and social strain.

By investing in domestic alternative protein production—including plant-based and tech-derived proteins—the UK could insulate itself from volatile global markets and maintain stable access to essential nutrition regardless of external conditions.

Climate Shock: A Growing Threat to Protein Security

Climate change is already disrupting agricultural systems worldwide, with droughts, floods, and extreme weather affecting crop yields and livestock production.

Because the UK depends on global supply chains, climate shocks in distant regions can have immediate domestic consequences. Failures in major agricultural exporters can cascade into shortages and rising costs at home.

Alternative protein technologies offer a more climate-resilient solution. Many can be produced in controlled environments, independent of weather variability, using fewer natural resources. This reduces exposure to climate-driven supply shocks while supporting long-term sustainability goals.

Building a Resilient Protein System for the Future

The article concludes that a strategic shift toward diversified, domestically anchored protein production could deliver multiple layers of resilience:

• Warfare resilience: Reduced vulnerability to blockades, sanctions, and supply chain targeting
• Trade resilience: Less dependence on unstable global markets and import routes
• Climate resilience: Protection against global agricultural disruption and extreme weather

At the same time, such a transition would position the UK as a global leader in next-generation food technologies, unlocking economic growth while enhancing national security.

A Strategic Imperative

The UK stands at a crossroads. By embracing the protein transition, it could one day feed and power itself, building resilience against increasing climate and geopolitical uncertainty.

Linked to article:
https://theconversation.com/how-a-new-plan-for-protein-could-transform-the-uks-national-security-277661

About the author:
Dr Chris Macdonald is a Fellow and Lab Director at Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge; a Fellow at the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability; a Supervisor at the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership; and Director of the Better Protein Institute. Dr Macdonald won the 40 Under 40 Award for Science and Innovation, the Digital Education Award for Best Product, the Global EdTech Award for Best Startup, and the Times Higher Education Award for Innovation of the Year.

About the Better Protein Institute (BPI):
Protein is essential for a healthy diet—but not all protein sources are created equal. Many of today’s most popular options carry significant, often hidden, environmental costs that threaten climate stability, biodiversity, and long-term food security. Despite the growing urgency of these challenges, progress toward more sustainable protein consumption has been slow and fragmented. To address this, the Better Protein Institute facilitates and accelerates the transition to better sources of protein. To achieve this, it conducts critical research from first principles, and tackles five core questions:

1. How much protein is required for optimal health?
2. What are the best sources of protein (currently available)?
3. Why aren’t more people consuming them?
4. How can we increase consumption of them?
5. What future protein sources should we invest in?

Contact:
Dr Chris Macdonald, chris.macdonald@lucy.cam.ac.uk