Skip the steak? Reducing meat consumption to combat climate change: study – National

Western countries need to drastically reduce their consumption of red meat if they really want to tackle climate change. This is reflected in a new study published this week in the journal Nature, which states that beef consumption must drop dramatically.

"The food system is a major driver of climate change, changes in land use, the depletion of freshwater resources and the pollution of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems through excessive inputs of water. nitrogen and phosphorus, "says the study.

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The researchers also said that eating less meat would help the planet cope with a rapidly growing population. He explained that by 2050, the Earth's population would be 10 billion. The global food system is already unsustainable, the study said, adding that a larger population would only make the problem worse.

"Without concerted action, we have found that the environmental impacts of the food system could increase by 50-90% by 2050 due to population growth and rising diets high in fat, sugar and meat, "said Dr. Marco Springmann. study researchers, told the Telegraph.

The study goes on to recommend that people in Western countries change their diet by relying more on protein sources and plant-based foods, such as beans.

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He adds that this is simply not enough. More sustainable farming methods would also be beneficial for the environment, as well as a more concerted effort to reduce food waste and improve technology.

"No measure is enough to maintain effects simultaneously across the planet," the study said.

Several other studies have also found that a high dependency on meat-based diets could harm the environment.

A study published in the journal Science in June indicates that livestock feed production, transportation, processing and packaging all have a significant impact on the environment. He added that even the "least impact animal products" outweighed the effects of vegetable substitutes.

Professor Jennifer Sumner of the University of Toronto, who studies food systems and sustainability, told Global News that reducing meat consumption is a critical part of the fight against climate change.

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Sumner added that governments need to step in instead of just telling consumers to eat less meat.

"They need to intervene or add an extra tax, a luxury tax almost," she said, adding that some benefits could also be offered to companies and organizations investing in surrogates. meat.

But she noted that food is a personal choice – that's why it's hard to limit it and upset people.

"Given the kind of reaction we have in parts of Canada about things like the carbon tax, I think food is a much more intimate product than oil. There is a lot of personal identity connected to it, "she said.

Overall, Sumner said it was about changing the way we think about food and the environment.

"I think that as Canadians, we need to take a look at the sustainable future and think about what a sustainable future looks like. It does not seem like we are doing the same thing we are doing now. One of the things is to change our diet, "she said.

Ming Fan, a professor at the University of Guelph who studies sustainable animal production, explained that there was clearly room for improvement in the way meat products are produced.

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But Fan said he was struggling to fully accept environmental studies recommending to reduce or significantly reduce animal consumption.

"You need to improve your efficiency," he said, explaining that it's unrealistic to get rid of meat consumption.

"It's like we can not get rid of cars and return on horseback. Cars are not ideal, but we make them more efficient with electric cars and efficient batteries. "

Fan also explained that food was a cultural and personal choice. Therefore, telling people what to eat and stay away is a slippery slope.

"I think studies like this sometimes go to the extreme and it gets a bit unbalanced," he said. "I think people should look at the bigger picture."

He said it meant focusing on a "balanced diet" and taking into account several elements – the environment, health and personal preferences.