In the face of the escalating climate crisis, over 250 groups and experts have issued a call to action to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Following a statement by Secretary Tom Vilsack that reducing meat consumption isn’t often discussed as a solution to climate change, this collective has taken a bold step. They have penned a letter to the USDA, urging the agency to acknowledge and address the significant greenhouse gas emissions resulting from meat and dairy consumption.
In their letter, the collective advocates for the integration of meat and dairy reduction strategies into the USDA’s climate policies. They also call for alignment between food consumption patterns and climate goals across all USDA programs. The aim is to steer the United States towards a more sustainable and climate-friendly food system.
This call for action comes despite Secretary Vilsack’s assertion that reducing meat consumption isn’t often discussed as a climate solution. This statement is at odds with the FAO Roadmap released at COP28, which emphasized the climate impacts of high-emission foods. The United States has also signed the Emirates Declaration, thereby committing to promote lower-emission food consumption.
Jennifer Molidor of the Center for Biological Diversity, along with other signatories including youth organizations, journalists, and healthcare professionals, warns of the crucial need to address our meat-heavy diets. They assert that this is a key step to prevent a climate emergency.
Food and agriculture contribute to one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, largely due to meat and dairy production. Despite generating such high emissions, these foods only provide 18% of calories. Besides the significant greenhouse gas emissions, these high-emission foods also contribute substantially to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and water pollution.
Experts argue that making sustainable dietary changes is essential for combating climate change, especially in high-consuming countries like the United States. Studies suggest that reducing 90% of U.S. beef consumption and halving other meat consumption in favor of plant-based alternatives could prevent the release of up to 2 billion tons of greenhouse gases by 2030.
The urgency of policy changes and increased public awareness to mitigate the looming climate crisis cannot be overemphasized. A key focus on reducing high-emission foods like meat and dairy is a vital part of this effort. It is hoped that the USDA will heed this collective call to action, paving the way towards a more sustainable and climate-friendly future.
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