The UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation has estimated that meat production accounts for nearly a fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions. These are generated during the production of animal feeds, for example, while ruminants, particularly cows, emit methane, which is 23 times more effective as a global warming agent than carbon dioxide. The agency has also warned that meat consumption is set to double by the middle of the century.
'In terms of immediacy of action and the feasibility of bringing about reductions in a short period of time, it clearly is the most attractive opportunity,' said Pachauri. 'Give up meat for one day [a week] initially, and decrease it from there,' said the Indian economist, who is a vegetarian.
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Reducing your meat consumption lowers your carbon footprint and also is enormously beneficial for your health. Cutting back one day a week, just as Dr. Pachauri recommends, reduces your saturated fat intake and as a result your risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. I work for the Meatless Monday campaign where we advocate just that as well as other healthy practices. You might be interested in an article we wrote about meat consumption and its effects on the environment: www.meatlessmonday.com/dyk_environment.
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