Eat less meat to combat global warming, says UN scientist
The chair of the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is asking people to consider eating less meat as a way to combat global warming. Dr. Rachendra Pachauri told BBC News that the UN Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that "direct emissions from meat production account for about 18% of the world's total greenhouse gas emissions."The FAO figure of 18% includes greenhouse gases from every part of the meat production cycle, from clearing the land to the "front and rear end emissions of cattle and sheep." In comparison, transportation accounts for only 13% of humans' greenhouse gas footprint, according to the IPCC.
While there are lots of reasons to go vegetarian, I would add your own budget to the list. A can of beans generally costs a lot less than meat, portion for portion. Also, remember that it doesn't have to be all or nothing; even increasing the number of vegetarian meals you eat can make a huge difference.
[Via No Impact Man]
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