Food: How does it affect climate change

With around 11 years left to reverse the effects of climate change and global warming, it is imperative that lifestyle changes that accommodate a more sustainable mode of living are taken up, according to a report by the United Nations.

One of the basic necessities – food, is an important part of everyday life. Research says that food is also one of the major contributors to climate change. From using artificial pesticides for crop production to hacking down rain forests to breed cattle, food affects climate change in many ways. Decomposition of food waste is said to release methane, which is also released by cows in large amounts. Food packaging is a major contributor to plastic waste and food transportation burns a considerable amount of fuel. 

The impact of certain foods on the environment has been studied over the years and has been widely researched upon. It has been found that certain foods tend to increase a person’s carbon footprint at a much higher rate than others. The most prominent culprit at this stratum is red meat. Destruction of forests in order to provide grazing areas, use of resources like water and fuel in the rearing of cattle and cattle-produced methane are some of the reasons behind red meat being an environmental hazard. 

According to The New York Times, cattle produce about 14.5% of the world’s greenhouse gases.

That being said, research also says that two kinds of the same product can have different impacts on the environment. For example, draught beer or keg beer has a lesser environmental impact than beer that comes in a can. Cattle raised in natural feeding grounds have a lesser impact than those raised in grounds acquired through deforestation. 

Some meats like chicken are also better than others. Plant milk is comparatively better for the environment than animal milk, says a research study.

It is important for the public to choose what they eat responsibly in order to eliminate the negative impact that food has on the environment. Choosing responsible and ethically sourced products and minimising the large amounts of packaging will go a long way in reducing a person’s carbon footprint. 

Cutting down on red meat, choosing plant milk alternatives to dairy, identifying manufacturers who produce food that has been ethically derived, consuming seasonal foods that are produced locally and minimising food waste are some things that people can easily incorporate in their everyday lives since not everyone can switch to a vegetarian or vegan diet.