Livestock farming, climate change and claims
During the past few days, the impact of the livestock industry on climate change has been debated extensively in the media, particularly in The Times. On 27 Oct Lord Stern recommend a vegetarian diet to halt the growth of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions such as CO2 and methane, given that the livestock sector is responsible for 18% of all GHG emissions, more than all transport combined (FAO, 2006). Animals Count fully supports the call for less meat and dairy production and consumption.
Animals Count taken to new heights
Yesterday (26 July), Animals Count – a UK political party for people and animals, was literally taken to new heights by Animals Count President and veterinarian, Andrew Knight, who ascended to the top of the Mt Blanc (4808m) in France. This time the extreme vegan achievement (carbon neutralised) was not intended to raise money for Animals Count, yet it does raise awareness about the fragile environment we live in. Alpine glaciers have melted and decreased by 50 meters, partly as a result of global warming.
At least 18% of global warming gases are caused by the livestock industry, and in particular by cattle (beef and dairy). Animals in intensive farms in Europe require feed high in protein, particularly soya, to fuel rapid growth and production of meat, milk and eggs. Most of this feed comes from huge soya plantations in Latin America. Destroying the forests removes the trees that were a carbon sink, in order to fuel the livestock industry, that is itself a huge source of the global warming gases methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide. The adverse environmental impacts are compounded.
How can we say that it is enough just to change from intensive animal farming to organic animal farming, which uses no less land, rather than simply eating plant foods directly?
The government’s environmental policy must reach new heights as well, in order to reach the 60% reduction in carbon emissions, set to reduce or actually reverse the adverse effects of global warming. Only major societal change, which includes a massive reduction in meat consumption, will contribute to meeting the target. All other measures, including recycling, insulation, hybrid cars, etc. fall far short of what is needed.
