Arabia Weather - Over the years, and especially in recent years, research has repeatedly shown the enormous impact our diet and eating patterns have on the environment and the planet. The current food system contributes one-third of global carbon emissions, of which approximately 60% comes from the meat industry.
Livestock farming produces between 11% and 19.5% of the planet's total greenhouse gas emissions. What's more, research has confirmed that animal products, such as meat and dairy products, cause secondary emissions that are twice as high as those of plant foods.
Studies have also shown that switching to plant-based diets can reduce carbon emissions and water pollution, and reduce land use by up to 75% compared to meat-rich diets. Furthermore, replacing half of meat and dairy consumption with plant-based alternatives could reduce agricultural emissions and land use by 31%.
This shift would also reduce the amount of land used to raise livestock by 12%, reduce water consumption by 10%, and halt deforestation.
If we continue with the current scenario and global demand for meat increases, meat consumption is expected to increase by up to 14% by 2030. In this context, a recent study published in the journal “Helion” showed that we should take immediate and serious action to confront climate change. . This study provides a roadmap based on three main approaches:
The study indicates that we have only seven to eight years to make a radical difference to address the climate crisis, and encourages rapid concrete action to mitigate the impact of human activities on the environment and climate.
Here are steps that can help move to a better future for both people and planet:
Despite the significant environmental impact of animal agriculture, the authors note that its reduction and phase-out is often overlooked in many proposals and solutions to address climate change. It is worth noting that this step could contribute to providing a large percentage of the reduction in carbon emissions necessary to keep the global temperature from rising without exceeding the safe limits (2 degrees Celsius) by the year 2100, as the gradual elimination of animal agriculture could contribute by 52%. of the net reduction necessary to achieve this goal. From this standpoint, stopping livestock farming, especially beef and its products, is one of the main steps to reduce harmful emissions to the environment.
In fact, moving away from industrial animal agriculture may give us the opportunity to develop technology that can play a role in the transition to clean, fossil-fuel-free energy sources. Researchers stress that it is necessary to distinguish between factory farming and other forms of animal agriculture, as it is noted that factory farming (CAFOs) is the way in which most animals are raised in the United States and includes chickens, pigs, turkeys, chickens, and fish by more than 98%, in addition to... To 70% of cows. Thus, their proposal to phase out industrial animal agriculture includes factory farming of all terrestrial and aquatic animals.
Likewise, government intervention is essential. The authors stress the need for stricter legislation to set animal welfare standards and impose legislative restrictions on the locations of factory farms. In addition, public information campaigns should be conducted through the media to explain the benefits of a vegetarian diet and the risks associated with livestock farming.
The authors point out that corporate investments in animal agriculture are becoming increasingly risky as a result of their environmental impact on climate change. Therefore, they consider divestment from these companies to be crucial if we want to achieve food sources that are less harmful to the environment.
The study suggests adopting a whole-life approach, bringing together the scientific community, government policy, and corporate behavior and policies. A change in global mindsets can be achieved through education and awareness.
The study suggests that the whole-life approach recognizes the deep interconnectedness of all life on Earth and the need to protect it, and moves from a human-centered to an earth-centered model. It also emphasizes the importance of cooperation and joint work.
She adds that this approach emphasizes that our health and the health of the planet are closely linked to the health and well-being of all living things.
Finally, the study underscores the importance of standardizing global measures of ESG standards, which significantly impacts the reliability and validity of standards assessments and the credibility and transparency of corporate disclosures. It proposes the establishment of an independent, non-profit regulatory body to verify the implementation of such measures and limit greenwashing. It notes that these measures will have a significant impact on corporate and government performance, accountability and effectiveness, providing important guidance to individual and institutional investors.
We must realize that focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions addresses the symptoms of the cause, and the real cause is overall global unsustainability. To achieve fundamental, long-term change that will benefit current and future generations and save the planet, we need to change our mindset and behavior as individuals, communities, businesses, governments and global citizens.
Source: Green Future
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