Greenhouse Gas
Animal agriculture is a big motivator of climate change and the increase of greenhouse gas emissions.
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“Livestock is responsible for 65% of all human-related emissions of nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas with 296 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide, which stays in the atmosphere for 150 years.”
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The “top 5 largest meat and dairy companies combined emit more greenhouse gases than either Shell, Exxon Mobil, or British Petroleum individually.”
When we look at the greenhouse gas emissions from animal agriculture, we have to keep in mind how the harmful gases get released when the food for the livestock is being grown, transportation of the food, manufacturing of fertilizers, supporting the animals, transporting the meat or dairy, and refrigeration of products. There are greenhouse gas emissions being released every step of the way, and going plant-based is the best way to reduce those emissions from damaging our planet further.
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Livestock and their byproducts are responsible for at least 32,000 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year.
Methane
Cows produce methane and release it into the atmosphere when they belch which is a by-product of digestion.
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Methane has a global warming potential 86 times that of carbon dioxide in a 20 year time frame. It is also 25-100 times more destructive than carbon dioxide.
Today, cows produce 150 billion gallons of methane per day.
The United States releases 49 million tons of methane into the air.
What is yoUR Impact?
Eating plant-based will SIGNIFICANTLY lower greenhouse gas emissions.
A study showed that a global dietary shift to a completely animal-free diet would reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions by 61-73%.
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It has been proven that just eliminating beef would reduce food greenhouse gas emissions by 33%. Also, beef produces 250 times more greenhouse gas emissions compared to legumes.
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As you eat plant-based, you will help decrease the effects of climate change and be the impactors who reverse global warming.
