Vancouver company uses mushroom roots to tackle global protein demand

A Vancouver-based company is betting on mushroom mycelium as a sustainable protein source, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of traditional meat production.

Inder Nirwan and Pippa Norman report for The Tyee.


In short:

  • Maia Farms developed a mycelium-based protein that takes just seven days to produce and emits 84% less carbon dioxide than chicken.
  • The company is partnering with food manufacturers to incorporate the protein into various foods, with products appearing at major retailers like Costco.
  • Plans include expanding globally by 2030, with facilities on five continents to meet both Earth’s growing protein needs and space exploration demands.

Key quote:

“It’s arguably the most efficient form of agriculture that will ever exist.”

— Gavin Schneider, Maia Farms founder

Why this matters:

With global meat demand rising, sustainable protein alternatives like mycelium could help mitigate the environmental impacts of meat production, including greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation.

Related: Turning mushroom waste into a resource for sustainable farming

Workers installing solar panels on a roof with palm trees in the background

Stuck on oil: Can Hawaii power itself?

Hawaii imports much of its fuel — and pays the price. From solar to geothermal, the state is searching for a way out of fossil fuel dependence.

A podcast microphone against a pink background
Credit: A. C./Unsplash+

NYT, WSJ podcasts promote pro-drilling ads by top US oil lobby

The New York Times has included dozens of ads pushing looser permitting rules on America’s third-most popular podcast since September, analysis finds.
An SUV parked in front of a restaurant on a sunny day

California’s Lithium Valley dreams meet reality at the only restaurant in town

How Vicky Hernandez and her customers at the Buckshot Deli & Diner in Niland view plans to turn Imperial Valley into a green energy hub.
A fallen ice cream cone melting on the sidewalk

A looming Super El Niño spells a summer of extremes

In a world already overheating we are woefully unprepared for another record-setting season.
Two farmers standing in rows of young crops

USDA revamp of ‘climate smart’ program left farmers reeling

With dubious DOGE savings, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has left many farmers with fewer tools to address the climate crisis.

Full disk Earth, Apollo 17, 1972

‘Happiness is not just about GDP’: ambitious plan or utopia?

Some will question its credibility — but the alternative future to the one imagined in the World Justice Report is far more bleak.

Ecology concept with green city on earth, world environment and sustainable development concept.
Credit: Mr.Jub/BigStock Photo ID: 237212287

Opinion: A good life for the 99% isn’t a pipe dream: it can be done. Here’s how

Our plan is radical — but by transforming how we live on a finite planet, nearly everyone gains, says Thomas Piketty and researchers from the World Inequality Lab.

From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.