Increasing global temperatures have put focus on human-made behaviors that contribute to the creation and exacerbation of this climate crisis. A primary concern is the role that meat plays in emission levels — a single hamburger is estimated to contribute up to 27kg in the form of greenhouse gas pollution. Meat, farmed and consumed in a variety of ways, is one of the major contributors towards climate change.
A 2018 report from Chatham House showed that the global livestock sector has thus far contributed up to 15% on our overall greenhouse gas emissions. Beef and dairy production were identified as two of the highest contributing factors during the transportation, processing, and farming stages. This contribution of emissions, in addition to the significant amount of water, land, and energy used in the farming of these meats, can badly damage the environment.
Perhaps more alarming is the fact that global meat production and consumption continues to accelerate. Experts believe that by 2050, the demand for meat will double, and in some areas, production itself has increased by 20%. But this demand is not only unsustainable, it also places a massive strain on the global temperature, making both global and localized issues more frequent and intensified as time goes on. To reduce our contribution to these rising global temperatures, we must start with the consumption of meat.
The good news is that reducing our reliance on meat can have an immediate impact on the environment. A 2019 study found that simply reducing our global consumption of beef by 40% can potentially save around 9.7 gigatons of CO2 by 2050. This reduction not only offers significant environmental savings but could also potentially save about $1 trillion in health care costs around the world.
Eliminating meat from our diets is not a complete solution, yet it is one of the most impactful choices we can make to help curb emissions. Eating foods that are plant-based and locally grown are some of the best ways to minimize one’s environmental footprint. The public has the opportunity to become engaged in environmental and social issues, and our decisions to reject or accept certain products will further decide which foods become more or less frequent in our diets. Change is possible, and it is through both individual and collective action that we can begin to reduce some of the effects of climate change.
With the mounting evidence of the negative impact of meat consumption on the environment, it is up to each of us to consider the impacts of our diet choices and the direct consequences they have on our environment. Although change may seem daunting, it is nonetheless possible and necessary in order to create a thriving and sustainable future. Taking the time to educate ourselves and understand our diet choices can empower us to make informed decisions and contribute to a greener future.
