Will eating less meat save the planet?
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What’s the story?
In the war against global warming, bovine and ovine flatulence isn’t an immediately obvious battlefront – but the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization claims that meat production accounts for nearly a fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions. This is largely because livestock emit lots of methane, which is 23 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. Some experts suggest that sticking to veg once a week would have more beneficial effects than reducing car journeys.
Who disagrees?
The Food Climate Research Network (FCRN) estimates that livestock generate only eight per cent of UK emissions, and says that eating meat is good for the planet in some ways, as some habitats benefit from grazing. The FCRN also points out that vegetarian diets that include lots of dairy products wouldn’t noticeably reduce emissions.
What are the stats?
Producing a pound of beef creates the same amount of greenhouse gas as driving for 77 miles. The amount ...
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