Last week, we finally heard mention in the mainstream press of the connection between food and climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a report on climate change and noted this important connection, which major media outlets picked up.
The IPCC argued in their report that we have just over a decade left to make the transformational changes required to avert catastrophic climate change. As some climate scientists have pointed out since the issuance of the report, they built their argument on conservative assumptions that excluded uncertain but very important feedback loops.
On the flip side, while noting the food-climate connection (a good thing), they understated the power of our food choices to mitigate climate change. In 2009, a report by two environmental specialists from the World Bank Group estimated that animal agriculture, when fully accounting for deforestation and loss of carbon from soils, contributes up to 51% of the human-induced warming effect. The UN Food and Agricultural Organization later came out with a lower figure based on an analysis that some people argue was influenced by the global livestock industry.
I believe we need to do a better job in our community raising awareness of the connection of our food choices to climate. Moving society to a plant-based diet is by far the most impactful action we can take to deal with this urgent problem. And not only does this diet heal our environment, it also heals people, makes economies stronger, and governments more solvent (due to lower healthcare costs), and it is completely non-partisan and apolitical!
Before closing, I should mention that we are seeking funding for a study, led by a key figure in this debate about food and climate, that would review, update, and most likely reinforce the analysis undertaken in the 2009 report showing the enormous contribution of animal agriculture to climate change. This report would likely generate worldwide attention. We are looking to raise $250,000 and intend to bring this in as a tax-deductible donation to the nonprofit PlantPure Communities. Please write to us if you know anyone who might be interested in helping. I know of no other financial commitment, dollar for dollar, that could be as impactful on our world as this one.
You also might want to check out a short video we edited from a recent shoot we did at a successful organic farm. This video shows our greatest tool for combatting climate change.
Thanks for your ongoing support. Until next time,
Nelson