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Did you know...

Animal agriculture produces more greenhouse gas emissions than automobiles. Cows raised for beef and dairy, in particular, emit massive amounts of nitrous oxide and methane.

Animal waste and feed cropland dump more pollutants into our waterways than all other human activities combined.

Meat-based diets require 10-20 times as much land as plant-based diets – nearly half of the world's grains & soybeans are fed to animals.

What is Global Warming?

Global warming is brought on by emission greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide and the much more potent methane and nitrous oxide (up to 300 times more potent greenhouse effect than carbon dioxide). These gases trap the sun’s heat in our atmosphere creating a greenhouse effect.

Global warming threatens planetary survival through destruction of wildlife habitats, flooding of coastal communities, and extreme weather conditions. Melting glaciers deny habitats to polar bears and seals. The resulting rise in ocean levels will flood low-lying coastal communities like New York and New Orleans. Warming of ocean waters intensifies hurricanes and droughts that cause extensive property damage and destroy soil productivity.

Meat Consumption & Global Warming

Most of us blame automotive and industrial emissions for global warming, and rightly so. But animal agriculture is an even bigger culprit. Livestock farming contributes carbon dioxide from burning forestland to create animal pastures and from combustion of fossil fuels to operate farm machinery, factory farms, transport vehicles, and slaughterhouses. It releases methane from the digestive tracts of cattle and nitrous oxide from animal waste cesspools.

According to a new report published by the United Nations Food and Agriculture organization, the livestock sector generates more greenhouse gas emissions as measured in CO2 equivalent -- 18 percent -- than transport. Says Henning Steinfeld, Chief of FAO’s Livestock Information & Policy Branch and senior author of the report: “Livestock are one of the most significant contributors to today’s most serious environmental problems. Urgent action is required to remedy the situation.”

With increased prosperity, people are consuming more meat and dairy products every year. Global meat production is projected to more than double from 229 million tons in 1999/2001 to 465 million tons in 2050, while milk output is set to climb from 580 to 1043 million tons.

What You Can Do... Go Veg!

Get Started Now - Click here for a Free Veg Kit.You can also subscribe to our colorful e-newsletter, Meatout Mondays. This weekly e-mail will provide you with delicious & simple recipes, product information, health news, and inspirational stories! Visit MeatoutMondays.org to find out more about it and view past issues.

Spread the Word!

Many people may recognize the reasons for a plant-based diet, including its benefit to the animals and personal health. However, most people fail to recognize the environmental consequences of eating meat. Speak out for the earth by letting others know about the many ways in which animal agriculture contributes to global warming.

Click here to Get Active for Earth and all its inhabitants!

Global Warming Educational Materials

Our specially-designed postcards are attractive and easy-to-read. With a clear, concise message linking meat consumption to global warming, these cards make outreach a breeze. Distribute postcards anytime, anywhere. Give them to friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and community members. Leaflet with them at events or on public streets. Display them at natural foods store, libraries, coffee shops, or anywhere. Click here to order these or other free handouts .

Special thanks to co-sponsor E/Environmental Magazine!
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