Diet For A Planet In Crisis

Why we need policies to reduce meat consumption now; A new study shows that moving to a plant-based diet is critical, but governments have been slow to act.

Lili Pike, November 17, 2020 (VOX)

“…Emissions are embedded in every part of the food supply chain…[New research shows the] food system is responsible for about 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions currently, and these emissions are expected to rise rapidly as people around the world become more affluent and consume more meat and dairy products…[The most effective change would be] the global adoption of a plant-rich diet…[But that would be] a massive behavior change…Which means policymakers need to get more creative, and ambitious…

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…[A healthier diet, reducing waste,] improved crop yields and more efficient agricultural production, including decreased fertilizer use, could make a difference…Dietary change is fraught, but public health policies can provide guidance…Unfortunately, governments have taken very little action to date…The good news is that countries have public health policies to draw experience from…One of the most well-established policies is taxing consumption…[But that would] affect low-income consumers more than high-income consumers who can stomach extra costs…[F]ood labeling and dietary guidelines are less effective, but may be helpful…[C]hanges to the food system will also be essential…[E]everybody has some responsibility…” click here for more

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