In their most dire climate report to date, the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has urged a switch to plant-based diets as the single most important shift individuals can make to halt the course of climate warming and prevent the most catastrophic impacts. For the first time in 34 years since the United […]
The Secret to Farming for the Climate
A major change to how we farm is not only necessary, it’s inevitable. The 2019 Climate Change and Land IPCC report described the need to focus on changing land use and current agriculture practices in order to address the climate crisis. A quiet but growing trend of stock-free, otherwise known as veganic, farming can protect […]
Pastoralists Switch from Herding to Growing Crops
Animal gifting charities encourage supporters to purchase cows and goats for families in countries experiencing extreme hunger and poverty, often pointing to traditions such as pastoralism and nomadic herders’ longstanding reliance on livestock for sustenance. However, in response to climate change, pastoralists are increasingly abandoning animal husbandry and shifting to growing drought tolerant crops and climate resilient, indigenous fruits and vegetables instead.
Grass-Fed Beef Means Much More Methane
A new Harvard study finds that shifting to all grass-fed beef production in the U.S. would require 30% more cattle just to keep pace with present production. It would also increase beef’s methane emissions by 43% and would require more pastureland than we have. The researchers conclude the only way to guarantee lower environmental impacts is by reducing beef consumption overall.
Animal Agriculture’s Impact on Climate – Do Percentages Matter?
Like me, you might be accustomed to seeing percentage figures on posters and elsewhere, indicating livestock’s share of greenhouse gas emissions. I’m not keen on quoting figures indicating livestock’s climate change impacts, unless I can try to explain them. Posters are not a great way to do that. One problem is that, while environmental processes are dynamic, the figures are often portrayed as if they’re set in stone. Another problem is that the figures depend on whichever factors have been taken into account, which can vary significantly from one report to another.