Factory Farming and the Environment Since the beginning of time humans have eaten meat for survival purposes, but in today’s society it is no longer necessary. The growing population has created an unsustainable demand for animal products. A meat free diet is better for health, the animals, and the environment as a whole. With the question of morality aside, eating meat is unnecessary and does more harm than good. Factory farming has a negative effect on the environment. The meat industry has remained out of they eye of sustainability practices despite being the biggest culprit behind global warming, deforestation, water contamination, antibiotic resistance, and much more.
The meat industry is the leading cause of global warming, but the least talked about. More greenhouse gasses are emitted by livestock than cars, busses, and planes combined according to the U.N. A cow’s digestive system produces methane and it’s manure contains methane and nitrous oxide, earning the name “Living Smokestacks” from the New York times. Producing one pound of beef will release one hundred times more greenhouse gas than producing one pound of carrots. Cheap meat …show more content…
According to World Beef Production, nearly half of the world’s beef comes from America, Brazil, and the European Union. The U.S. has seen an increase in meat consumption since the 70’s, and today it is estimated that the average person will consume 200 pounds of meat per year, according to the USDA. Critics of factory farming recognize that the individual does not have control over smokestacks or car fumes, but they urge people to opt for a meat free meal. Senior direct for the Humane Society’s Factory Farming Campaign, Paul Shapiro, says that “...choosing more plant-based meals is something where we can stand up for animals and the environment every time we sit down to eat” (Colleran
The meat industry is the leading cause of global warming, but the least talked about. More greenhouse gasses are emitted by livestock than cars, busses, and planes combined according to the U.N. A cow’s digestive system produces methane and it’s manure contains methane and nitrous oxide, earning the name “Living Smokestacks” from the New York times. Producing one pound of beef will release one hundred times more greenhouse gas than producing one pound of carrots. Cheap meat …show more content…
According to World Beef Production, nearly half of the world’s beef comes from America, Brazil, and the European Union. The U.S. has seen an increase in meat consumption since the 70’s, and today it is estimated that the average person will consume 200 pounds of meat per year, according to the USDA. Critics of factory farming recognize that the individual does not have control over smokestacks or car fumes, but they urge people to opt for a meat free meal. Senior direct for the Humane Society’s Factory Farming Campaign, Paul Shapiro, says that “...choosing more plant-based meals is something where we can stand up for animals and the environment every time we sit down to eat” (Colleran