Dear editor, In a new paper published in Climatic Change, scientists explain how Big Meat pays academics to oppose policies that might affect its unregulated methane emissions. So, for National Agriculture Week (March 17-23), let’s support growing plants for food and ditch meat.
Methane is a key player in the climate catastrophe. It is 80 times more potent at heat retention during its first 20 years in the atmosphere than the more ubiquitous carbon dioxide. And according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, animal agriculture is the primary contributor to methane emissions in the United States. The good news? Each of us can help curb methane emissions by going vegan.
According to another study published in Nature, going vegan results in a remarkable 75 percent reduction in climate-heating emissions, water pollution, and land use compared to eating over 100g of meat daily. Vegan eating also leads to a 66 percent reduction in the harm caused to animals in nature and a 54 percent reduction in water usage.
We must change. For National Agricultural Week—and every week—let’s embrace the power of plants. Visit PETA.org/VSK for a free vegan starter kit.
Sincerely, Rebecca Libauskas Climate Research Specialist