FoE Food Production Motion Presentation
(Presentation in support of the motion
proposed by Redditch FoE - Read
full details)
The government must of course take action to drastically reduce carbon emissions, but the truth is that one of the biggest solutions to climate change lies in our own hands, or on our plates, and it`s currently being overlooked.
Meat production is one of the main causes of climate change. It is responsible for at least a third of all biological methane emissions. Molecule for molecule, methane is 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas. Factory farming uses massive inputs of fossil fuels. The vast majority of this energy is used in producing, transporting and processing animal feed.
In a report titled - `Livestock’s Long Shadow`, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations stated that, "The livestock sector accounts for 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions - more than transport, which emits 13.5%."
For some of the general public(and perhaps some people here now), this may be `another inconvenient truth`, but the fact is that one of the most effective ways to fight climate change is with your knife and fork! But it`s no good burying our heads in the sand, this issue is not going away. To many people, the idea of giving up meat and dairy products is less radical than giving up their car!
Many more highly respected organisations have published research revealing the mammoth scale of the destruction & devastation. Agricultural expansion is said to account for more than 60% of world deforestation. Europe imports 70 per cent of its animal feeds - often from countries with high levels of malnutrition. A study by the California Beef Association found that 120 litres of water are required to produce 1kg of wheat, whilst 1kg of beef requires 3,700 litres.
It is vitally important that the general public are made aware of all these issues, so they can make an informed choice about their diet and therefore, how they can reduce their personal ecological footprint. A `food production` leaflet, should be as much a part of a FoE information stall as leaflets on transport, waste, energy, pollution, global warming etc. More detailed info should be available on the FoE website.
As you know, we are at a critical juncture. We will not beat climate change & other environmental catastrophes, if FoE continue to skirt round the issue of meat & dairy. FoE must be clear, confident and bold in its approach, or ultimately, we`ll all pay the price.
Summing Up (after the debate, before the vote)
As the worlds resources sink and environmental problems soar, increasing numbers of organisations, scientists and ecologists agree that our diet is critical to the survival of the planet. It`s absolutely crucial that environmental groups open the publics eyes to this issue allowing them to make an informed choice. Please vote for this motion so that FoE will provide us with the tools to effectively raise awareness. And then please put those tools to good use.
Kevin White
Redditch FoE
Redditch Vegetarians & Vegans
The government must of course take action to drastically reduce carbon emissions, but the truth is that one of the biggest solutions to climate change lies in our own hands, or on our plates, and it`s currently being overlooked.
Meat production is one of the main causes of climate change. It is responsible for at least a third of all biological methane emissions. Molecule for molecule, methane is 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas. Factory farming uses massive inputs of fossil fuels. The vast majority of this energy is used in producing, transporting and processing animal feed.
In a report titled - `Livestock’s Long Shadow`, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations stated that, "The livestock sector accounts for 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions - more than transport, which emits 13.5%."
For some of the general public(and perhaps some people here now), this may be `another inconvenient truth`, but the fact is that one of the most effective ways to fight climate change is with your knife and fork! But it`s no good burying our heads in the sand, this issue is not going away. To many people, the idea of giving up meat and dairy products is less radical than giving up their car!
Many more highly respected organisations have published research revealing the mammoth scale of the destruction & devastation. Agricultural expansion is said to account for more than 60% of world deforestation. Europe imports 70 per cent of its animal feeds - often from countries with high levels of malnutrition. A study by the California Beef Association found that 120 litres of water are required to produce 1kg of wheat, whilst 1kg of beef requires 3,700 litres.
It is vitally important that the general public are made aware of all these issues, so they can make an informed choice about their diet and therefore, how they can reduce their personal ecological footprint. A `food production` leaflet, should be as much a part of a FoE information stall as leaflets on transport, waste, energy, pollution, global warming etc. More detailed info should be available on the FoE website.
As you know, we are at a critical juncture. We will not beat climate change & other environmental catastrophes, if FoE continue to skirt round the issue of meat & dairy. FoE must be clear, confident and bold in its approach, or ultimately, we`ll all pay the price.
Summing Up (after the debate, before the vote)
As the worlds resources sink and environmental problems soar, increasing numbers of organisations, scientists and ecologists agree that our diet is critical to the survival of the planet. It`s absolutely crucial that environmental groups open the publics eyes to this issue allowing them to make an informed choice. Please vote for this motion so that FoE will provide us with the tools to effectively raise awareness. And then please put those tools to good use.
Kevin White
Redditch FoE
Redditch Vegetarians & Vegans