We have seen a very positive trend worldwide (here in T&T as well) with regards to taking good care of our planet, after all it is the only planet we have to live!
We see a lot of schools/individuals and organisations involved in recycling materials and minimizing the use of plastic and other harmful elements in our environment.
Also conferences with regards to the serious topic of climate change and how it impacts each one of us individually and collectively. As well as the worrisome impact it has in our whole environment.
Also, there are discussions about the possible solutions to combat this very pressing issue. I believe all these initiatives are great and very commendable. Most of all, needed!
I would like to bring another point of discussion about climate change that often times seem to be overlooked. Very little is discussed about it even though it is one of the leading causes of climate change worldwide.
The big elephant in the room is:
ANIMAL AGRICULTURE
According to the United Nations: “Livestock are one of the most significant contributors to today’s most serious environmental problems. Urgent action is required to remedy the situation.”
Livestock Major Contributor Of Serious Environmental Issues
Livestock now uses over 30 per cent of the earth’s entire land surface. Let that sink for a minute. Since they have to constantly clear forests to create more spaces for livestock to feed, it is a major driver of deforestation.
If you are familiar with the serious situation in Brazil, you will know that the Amazon, was known at one point of time as the Earth’s lungs. It is being destroyed completely and now over 70% of what were forests in this area have been turned over to grazing.
SCARCE WATER RESOURCES GOES TO ANIMAL AGRICULTURE
No one seems to want to say it or discuss it but the livestock business is among the most damaging sectors to the earth’s increasingly scarce water resources.
As a matter of fact, animal agriculture is the number one consumer of fresh water. Yes, while 844 million people in the world (one in ten) do not have access to clean water and when every minute a newborn dies from infection caused by lack of safe water…
Lack Of Water Statistics Worldwide
We are giving ALL that precious water that could be saving MILLIONS of lives to the meat, egg and dairy industry. An industry that is killing us and our planet.
If that’s not enough, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), global agriculture—leading by livestock production accounts for 30% of greenhouse gas emissions.
Animal Agriculture And GreenHouse Gas Emissions
One of the most shocking facts is a study that took place in 2006 by the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). They found that 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions are directly caused by livestock production. These emissions are MORE than the ENTIRE transportation sector.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Directly Linked To Animal Agriculture
YOU CAN HELP REDUCE CLIMATE CHANGE BY THE FOOD YOU EAT
The demand for animal agriculture continues to grow despite all these facts. It is expected to become the major contributor to an 80% increase in global greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector.
Emissions from the production of beef and lamb are 250 times higher than those from legumes, per gram of protein. Pork and poultry are 40 times higher than legumes.
A large amount of methane and nitrous oxide, gases that are more than 20 times and 250 times more powerful than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas, are generated through livestock-raising activities.
The Damaging Business Of Meat Production
So even though we hardly talk about animal agriculture as a leading cause of climate change, if we are really serious about the environment, we should be discussing how we could utilize all efforts to combat it and educate others.
Even though recycling is great and no polluting as well (along with so many other initiatives taking place such as limiting the amount of water we waste, energy, etc) the choices we make at the dinner table are crucial as well and impacts greatly in our environment.
Let’s make no mistake. This isn’t extremism. Animal agriculture isn’t a minor cause of climate change. As the UN explained, it is one of the most significant contributors to today’s most serious environmental problems.
Including: Overfishing, destruction of wildlife, deforestation, and depletion of freshwater resources to hydrate livestock or irrigate fodder.
Animal Agriculture Is Not A Minor Cause of Climate Change
THE SERIOUS DEMANDS BY 2050
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations predicts that by 2050 world meat production will have almost doubled. How are we going to deal with global warming, widespread pollution, deforestation, water scarcity all caused by animal agriculture? And at the same time feed 2 to 4 billion more people by 2050? We will not be able to cope with both demands.
The Serious Demands And Challenges By 2050
The statistics are shocking: 70% percent of the grain grown in the US feeds livestock. It is estimated that 700 million tons of food that could be consumed by us humans, goes instead to livestock each year.
Can you imagine the amount of hungry children we could feed?
I would love if the discussion on environmental issues can encompass specifically animal agriculture. As stated before, it is one of the leading causes of climate change worldwide.
We could all help reduce it significantly by the food choices we make.
Imagine how many more children worldwide we could feed and give fresh water so they don’t have to die…
How many more animals we could save….
And how less polluted our planet will be…
The choice is ours…
Go Vegan.
Finally someone said it! THANK YOU Maria (Sol).
Thanks Roshni!
Reducing the consumption of meat can be the first step towards veganism. It has been scientifically proven that raising animals for food is one of the most damaging businesses to the environment. How much do we really care is t he million dollar question.
You’re very right Josiah. Hopefully, as more information is accessible we will see greater changes happening.