Rethinking meat's role in climate and health strategies

Experts call out the United Nations' climate plan for ignoring meat consumption's impact.

Damian Carrington reports for The Guardian.

In short:

• Academic experts criticize the UN for excluding meat reduction from its climate action plan, highlighting the oversight's potential consequences on climate and health.
• The report dismisses alternative proteins, ignoring their benefits in reducing environmental impacts compared to traditional livestock.
• Concerns are raised over the lack of transparency in the FAO's selection process for its recommended actions.

Key quote:

"It's very striking: the FAO doesn’t include one of the clearest interventions that would help meet both environmental and health targets."

— Cleo Verkuijl, Stockholm Environment Institute US

Why this matters:

The livestock sector is estimated to account for about 14.5% of all anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions globally. Reducing meat consumption can lead to lower demand for livestock production, thereby decreasing its environmental footprint and aiding in the fight against climate change.

Be sure to read France Moore Lappé’s commentary on farming for a small planet.