Study claims meat creates half of all greenhouse gases

In a paper published by a respected US thinktank, the Worldwatch Institute, two World Bank environmental advisers claim that instead of 18 per cent of global emissions being caused by meat, the true figure is 51 per cent.

"If this argument is right," write Goodland and Anhang, "it implies that replacing livestock products with better alternatives would be the best strategy for reversing climate change.
"In fact, this approach would have far more rapid effects on greenhouse gas emissions and their atmospheric concentrations than actions to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy."
Their call to move to meat substitutes accords with the views of the chairman of the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Dr Rajendra Pachauri, who has described eating less meat as "the most attractive opportunity" for making immediate changes to climate change. For the full story: Study claims meat creates half of all greenhouse gases - Climate Change, Environment - The Independent.

Call me a cynic, but what are the chances that big oil are one of the primary funders of the Worldwatch Institute?! I am highly cynical about just about every study carried out, in whatever stream of life or politics it may be! Case studies are always undertaken with vested interests in mind, therefore, are inevitably biased. However, there is always some truth behind the figures quoted in articles and studies. Unfortunately, groups tend to bend stats to suit their needs and the truth is masked somewhat.

Nonetheless, in this instance there is a significant argument for the reduction of meat consumption. Without even taking climate change into account meat consumption is a key problem that must be addressed. The world's population is predicted to rise by 50% over the next 50 years, yet meat consumption is set to quadruple. We are struggling to feed the world's people with the limited resources we have as it stands. As was illustarted by the Asian food crisis of 2008. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/18/world/asia/18iht-food.1.12130435.html Food is our most basic resource and a neccessity for survival. Shortages lead to crisis and civil unrest. Therefore, something must change if we are to survive as a species, maintain secure governance and thriving economies.

It is hard to think that meat and dairy will not ever be a crucial part of most people's diet - the alternative being such hard work and, well, not as tasty! There is scope for improving the way in which farming is carried out though. Farming in poorer nations needs to be upgraded from micro-level and developed to 21st century standards. This will greatly increase production of basic foodstuffs, such as, rice, wheat and grain. Improved production levels will go some way to feeding mass increases in populations. However, we must also realise, in developed nations, that we cannot sustain our current way of life and that wants and necessities must be defined. Not all food is necessary, much of what we eat is through greed not need and this attitude must change! If we are to successfully feed a growing population then meat production is not the best way forward and if the climate benefits from reduced greehouse emissions at the same time
then all the better. Less meat is a win win situation for all!