Our planet is getting to a point where we need to start taking matters into our own hands in terms of climate change. We can no longer rely on government figures or political action…it’s time we make positive adjustments on our own. We are no longer a part of the climate accord of Paris, people are advocating for certain sustainability policies that are going to be tough to get passed, and there is just not enough productivity to reverse the negative environmental effects we have had on our home.
Right now, it is estimated that 30% of the planet’s landmass is set aside for factory farms, a.k.a. for meat, dairy, and egg production. According to the UN, “Livestock production causes an even larger contribution to climate change than the transportation sector worldwide..” It seems shocking, but the numbers add up. Factory farmed animals are a much larger contributor to climate change than all the world’s cars, trucks, trains, planes, and ships combined.
So what can we do about this? Reduce the amount of animal-based foods that we consume. The graph below depicts the amount CO2-equivalent emissions produced when making a half pound of both animal products and vegan products. It is unquestionable that the plant-based foods produce a significantly less amount of CO2 than the animal-based foods. Just imagine if you cut out animal products from your diet just for 3 days a week. The amount that your personal carbon footprint would decrease would be staggering.
We clearly do not need to rely on politicians and activist to make a change in the condition of this planet. We need to take matters into our own hands and start by making the conscious decision of what we put onto our plates each and every day.
I found the charts you included very useful to see how different products affect our environment differently. I personally consume meat but would probably place myself in the lower amounts group. I know many people find it hard to change their diet but even if they do not cut out meats but limit the amount of meat and meat products consumed, a huge difference can be made
I agree with Janet. I feel as though the charts you chose to include really make a statement about the gas emissions and specifying between different households. For me personally, I tend to eat more meat at home and less so at school. It is interesting to see how a range of meat eating is included rather than grouping everyone under the same category.
The first graph puts the hard to believe data in understandable human terms. It is crazy how much C02 is emitted into the atmosphere, and putting the amount in miles cars drove emphasizes the damage. The second chart alone wants me to make an attempt to eat as least amount of meat as possible, which I feel like I am already doing since taking this class.