With the 47th annual observance of Earth Day just around the corner, this is a great time to explore more effective ways of slowing climate change and conserving Earth’s natural resources for future generations.

A 2010 United Nations report charged animal agriculture with producing 19 percent of man-made greenhouse gases – more than all transport – and recommended a global shift toward a more vegetable-based diet. A subsequent World Watch study placed that contribution closer to 50 percent.

Meat and dairy production also dumps more water pollutants than any other human activity. It is the driving force in global deforestation and wildlife habitat destruction.

Last fall, England’s prestigious Chatham House think tank declared that reducing meat consumption is critical to achieving global climate goals. A recent report from Oxford University found that global adoption of a vegan diet would reduce food-related greenhouse emissions by over two-thirds. The 2015 U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee has recommended reduced meat consumption and an environmentally sustainable diet.

Just as we replace fossil fuels with wind, solar and other sustainable energy sources, we must replace animal foods with the more sustainable vegetables, fruits and grains. Being mindful of this can help us make better choices at the supermarket.

Patrick Wayne

Portland

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