Food and Climate Change

Factory farming is the main cause of environmental degradation. A global transition to a vegen diet is the most efficient solution.

According to the article by two World Bank environmental advisers in the publication of November / December 2009 issue of “World Clock " , the livestock sector is responsible for at least 51 % of GHGS . In 2006 a report by the United Nations Organization for Food and Agriculture (FAO) entitled “Livestock’s Long Shadow", said agricultural production for animals is responsible for more GHGS ( CO2 equivalents ) than all cars , airplanes, ships and other means of transportation around the world together .

The situation bodes even worse , if current trends continue , global meat production will double by 2050 , with the associated increase in GHGS and denial of the effects of many positive changes , which would make it very difficult, if not impossible , GHGS achieve reductions that climate experts believe essential to avoid the worst effects of climate change .

Factory farming has resulted in too large livestock population. In sum, the 5 species used for human consumption the population tripled. There is 1 cow for every 5 people , 1 sheep for every 6 people , 1 pig for every 7 people, 1 goat for every 8 persons and 2.5 chicks per each person. To feed all those animals will require massive amounts of cereals, grains, seeds and grasses. Cropland become insufficient and this is how the livestock industry uses deforestation of jungles and forests, generating millions of tons of CO2.

The digestive process of the more than 1,000 million cows generates 37 % of all human -induced methane, this gas is 23 times more potent than CO2. Cow feces contain high amounts of nitrous oxide, a gas 296 times more potent than CO2, and urine and feces 17,000 million chickens generate 64 % of ammonia -induced human, a chemical element that causes the rain acidic.

What's more, carry and keep refrigerated the hundreds of tons of meat, milk and eggs produced each year, involves a huge expenditure of fossil fuels and electricity.

Factory farming is responsible for 90 % of deforestation in the Amazon, the main lung of the world. This is due to the extension of pasture and forage crops to feed a growing population of cattle. Information provided by the National Forestry Commission through the inquiry system, says that 60 % of deforestation in Mexico is due to changes in land use livestock purposes.

This adversely affects the balance of ecosystems; 15 of 24 ecosystems that provide important ecosystem services are in decline, and an analysis of the Red List of Threatened Species prestigious World Conservation Union (IUCN) shows that most endangered species in the world are subject to loss of habitat due to livestock.

Livestock is probably the main cause of water pollution because of all wastes discharged into rivers, lakes and oceans, as feces, hormones, antibiotics, fertilizers, pesticides, chemicals used in tanneries, etc. According to the National Water Commission, the livestock sector accounts for 50 % of water use in Mexico, when the household occupies only 14% and production of vegetables to feed 20% human.

In all, livestock production is for 70% of agricultural land and 30% of the Earth's land area. While 30% of the human population in the world suffer from hunger or malnutrition, livestock occupies half of the production of grains and cereals worldwide, and wasting natural resources such as gas, water or soil.

To produce a kilo of beef requires seven kilos of cereal, but if this cereal should be allocated directly to the human could end with starvation and malnutrition worldwide.

The livestock industry and economic interests are as important as the taste of the people for eating meat, milk and eggs. These are the probable causes why many leaders are afraid to address the issue as its magnitude requires.

Nevertheless, the UN considers that the main solution to environmental problems is to reduce the livestock population. To achieve this it is essential that society leads towards a diet free of animal products, or at least reduce your intake of them. The vegan diet is the main ecological solution and has great benefits for human health and respect for animals.

Wait for world leaders to save us from environmental catastrophe will remain just in waiting. Time to take a proactive stance and take actions that benefit nature. Both the health of the planet as their own, begin at the table.

Source: Hazte Vegetariano