The Lancet put out an study today saying that, to quote the AP, “Eating Less Meat May Slow Climate Change.” A few facts from the study:
- 22 percent of the planet’s total emissions of greenhouse gases come from agriculture
- Livestock production, including transport of livestock and feed, account for nearly 80 percent of agricultural emissions, mainly in the form of methane, a potent heat-trapping gas.
According to an article by AFP, a study published in July by Japanese scientists showed that, “a kilo (2.2 pounds) of beef generates the equivalent of 36.4 kilos (80.08 pounds) of carbon dioxide, more than the equivalent of driving for three hours while leaving all the lights on back home.”
As it turns out, eating less read meat is also good for you, as a simple search using the terms “red meat cancer” will show.
JB and I started an experiment 2 months ago mostly for health reasons, and have essentially cut down to eating red meat to at most once a week. We’ve been eating lots of tofu, and do eat fish and eggs more frequently, and it’s been great. And both of us were avid carnivores who never thought we’d be able to sustain a low meat diet.
But now with more evidence that it’s also a great way to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, it’s really a no brainer. My suggestion? Try cutting down. You may surprise yourself, and it’ll be better for you and better for the environment.
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