An Open Letter to the CEO of McDonald’s (again)
Leading the Charge Towards a Sustainable Future
Dear Mr. Chris Kempczinski,
I wrote an open letter to the previous CEO, Steve Easterbrook, which was seen by thousands of McDonald’s Employees, but alas fell on deaf ears…I hope you are different Mr. Kempczinski.
McDonald’s has long been a symbol of innovation and global influence in the fast-food industry. Your commitment to feeding billions has shaped not only dining habits but also supply chains and agricultural practices worldwide. Today, you stand at a crossroads where a bold decision can redefine the future of food and the health of our planet.
I’ve long admired the empire Ray Kroc built — grounded in leadership, scalable systems, and innovation. McDonald’s has fed billions and continues to serve millions daily. As a teen employee, I gained life lessons I still use today. What’s remained constant is McDonald’s unmatched ability to redefine fast food for the world.
McDonald’s is in a powerful position to lead the next great transformation in food: the global shift to cultured meat. By transitioning from traditional beef to clean, lab-grown alternatives, McDonald’s can eliminate its dependence on livestock — cutting methane emissions, freeing up millions of acres for reforestation, and drastically reducing water and land usage.
“This single move could redefine fast food and make McDonald’s the first truly climate-forward global restaurant brand.”
Cultured meat is no longer experimental — it’s real, scalable, and rapidly approaching price parity. By investing now in R&D, piloting cultured products in select markets, and partnering with cellular agriculture innovators, McDonald’s can bring ethical, sustainable burgers to billions of people. This is about more than sustainability — it’s about shaping the future of food, earning the trust of the next generation, and creating massive long-term value.
McDonald’s changed the world once. It can do it again — by reinventing the burger for a better planet.
The Environmental Imperative
Traditional beef production is a significant contributor to environmental degradation. It accounts for substantial greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and excessive water use. Notably, livestock farming occupies 77% of global agricultural land while providing only 18% of the world’s calories. The methane emissions from cattle further exacerbate climate change, making it imperative to seek sustainable alternatives.
The Promise of Cultured (Clean) Meat
Advancements in cellular agriculture have made cultured meat a viable and sustainable option. Studies indicate that cultivated meat could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 92%, land use by 95%, and water consumption by 78% compared to conventional beef production. Moreover, it eliminates the need for antibiotics and reduces the risk of zoonotic diseases, ensuring a safer food supply. Some of the leading companies in this space include; Mosa Meat, Aleph Farms,
Reduction of Bovine Gas Emissions
One of the most effective and immediate strategies to combat climate change is the rapid reduction of methane emissions over the next decade. Innovative companies like CH4 Global are leading this charge by leveraging cutting-edge science to address one of the largest sources of methane — enteric fermentation in cattle. Through a feed supplement derived from whole Asparagopsis seaweed, they have demonstrated the ability to reduce methane emissions by up to 90%, offering a scalable solution with profound environmental impact.
McDonald’s: A Catalyst for Global Change
With your extensive global reach, McDonald’s is uniquely positioned to lead this transformative shift. By integrating cultured meat into your menu, you can:
- Set a Precedent: Influence industry standards and consumer expectations towards sustainable practices.
- Restore Ecosystems: Free up vast tracts of land for reforestation and biodiversity conservation.
- Enhance Public Health: Offer cleaner meat options devoid of antibiotics and contaminants.
- Drive Economic Growth: Stimulate innovation and job creation within the emerging clean meat sector.
A Call to Action
Embracing cultured meat aligns with McDonald’s legacy of innovation and responsibility. It presents an opportunity to meet the growing demand for sustainable food while safeguarding our planet for future generations.
I urge you to consider this path forward, not just as a business strategy, but as a commitment to global stewardship.
Sincerely,
Alan Smithson, proud McDonald’s employee in 1992–94
CEO, Unlimited Awesome
