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The film "An Inconvenient Truth" brought the issue of climate change to the forefront of American and, to some extent, international thought. It showed trends of our modern, industrial society and their correlation to global warming. But one major factor was left out of the film as a major contributor to climate change: diet.
The way we choose to eat has a direct result on climate change on a global and local scale. There is much talk about eating local, organic, and sustainable but what about the vegan lifestyle?
Leaving meat and other animal products off the plate may be a solution to reduce one's impact on lands, waterways, and atmosphere. Gidon Eshel and Pamela Martin of the University of Chicago conclude in their report "Diet, Energy, and Global Warming" that choosing a plant-based diet can lessen an individual's contribution to climate change more than ditching a "clunker" for a hybrid vehicle. In addition to other wise choices to lessen waste, veganism is a great way to be more healthy and avoid the worst animal abuses in factory farms.
According to a 2006 United Nations report released by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN entitled "Livestock's Long Shadow," the animal agriculture industry accounts for 18% of all greenhouse gas emissions. That is more than all transportation combined. And the report says that "the livestock sector is one of the top two or three most significant contributors to the most serious environmental problems."
Veganism can be difficult for some, but it should be a goal for anyone trying to limit their contribution to climate change and other pollution problems associated with animal agriculture. If you choose, you can start by eating vegan one day each week (see Meat Free Mondays) and working your way up from there. We only have one Earth and we should strive to make it a vibrant and healthy planet.
More reading on becoming vegan: Vegan Society, SoYouWanna be a vegan, Goveg.com
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