World Day of Climate Action: The Key Is on Your Plate
On this World Day of Climate Action, Sinergia Animal calls for reflection on how our food choices are key to reducing our negative environmental impact. If we thought about the planet when grocery shopping, many would be surprised by the footprint we leave with every food item we choose.
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), industrial livestock farming (the mass rearing of animals for meat, milk, and egg production) is responsible for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it one of the largest drivers of global warming.
Industrial Livestock: The Great Resource Waster
Industrial livestock farming not only generates massive emissions of methane and other gases but also occupies half of the planet's habitable land, primarily for raising animals and growing their feed. Recent studies have shown that 83% of agricultural land is used for meat and dairy production, even though these products only supply 18% of the calories and 37% of the protein consumed globally.
“Why keep wasting these resources? If we adopted a plant-based diet, we could reduce the use of agricultural land by 75%. This change would prevent massive deforestation, contributing to carbon capture and biodiversity conservation,” says Carolina Galvani, Executive Director of Sinergia Animal.
Water: A Vital Resource Being Wasted
Industrial livestock farming is not only responsible for deforestation and habitat loss but also consumes alarming amounts of water and natural resources. According to a recent study published in Nature, replacing 50% of animal products (such as beef, pork, chicken, and milk) with plant-based alternatives could reduce global water use by 10%, free up 653 million hectares of land, and significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
“The biggest challenge is that we don’t associate the consumption of animal products with the water waste they entail. When we buy our food, we rarely think about the impact of those products. It’s urgent to start recognizing this connection,” says Galvani. Other animal-based foods also require vast amounts of water. A single liter of cow’s milk, for example, requires over 628 liters of water during its production.
A Global Food System Accelerating Biodiversity Loss
In addition, the global food system, driven by industrial livestock farming, is the leading cause of the accelerated loss of biodiversity worldwide. This impact is due to the mass conversion of natural ecosystems into farmland and pastures, putting thousands of species at risk.
The Solution Is on Your Plate
On this World Day of Climate Action, Sinergia Animal proposes a clear and accessible solution: trying a more plant-based diet.
“The impact of our food choices is immense,” concludes Galvani. “Opting for a diet that replaces animal proteins with plant-based alternatives is one of the most effective actions we can take to combat climate change and protect our planet.”
Join the Change: Help the Planet, Start with Your Plate.
For more information on how a plant-based diet can make a difference, visit www.sinergiaanimal.org.
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