Although most people become vegan for reasons regarding the morality of eating animals, there is a strong case to be made that we should not eat animal products because of the effects they have on the environment. The animal agriculture industry is responsible for 18% of all greenhouse gas emissions, which is more than all exhaust emitted by transportation (13%). It is also important to recognize that a good amount of these emissions are gasses like methane and nitrous oxide, which have much more detrimental effects on our earth in comparison to carbon dioxide.

Another reason why this is such a big issue is that we are doing nothing to recognize it as a major problem. While energy related emissions are expected to increase by 20% in 2050, agriculture related emissions are expected to increase by 80% in the same timeframe.

In addition, agriculture is leading to major droughts in certain regions across the globe. A single pound of beef takes about 1,800 gallons of water to produce, and it only takes 107 gallons to produce a pound of corn. About 80-90% of all water cons umption in the U.S. goes towards agriculture, which is leading to droughts on multiple states.

However, we cannot just sit back and look at these statistics without action. We must each make an attempt to eat less meat, or at least be mindful of the impact our diet is having on the environment. I encourage you to share these statistics with others so that we know the impacts of our current diets, and we can make change in the future.

Sources: EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), IEA (International Energy Agency), Science Magazine, FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations)

I agree

It's a really big issue in countries that are developing and becoming wealthier -- this inevitably leads people in those places to eat more and more meat.  I  agree with you that diet is the "elephant in the room" that few are talking about with respect to global policy on climate change.

I completely agree that giving up some meat is key to more sustainable diets. While there are many challenges of livestock production, there are also many benefits. Recent research shows that diets including some animal-based foods actually take up less land than a vegan diet. Also, controlled amounts of grazing on land can actually increase the productivity and biodiversity of the land. Lastly, on lands like the Sub-Saharan African drylands, livestock production makes use of areas that may not be able to be used for any other purposes.

Buying local is extremely important in reducing our impact on the Earth. EPA states that 50% of the pollution in the U.S. is industrial pollution and by buying local we will be able to reduce packaging as well as pollution due to transportation.

Sisi can you please provide a link that supports this statement?
"Recent research shows that diets including some animal-based foods actually take up less land than a vegan diet."