Climate Change Can be Affected by Food Choices

Apparently new researchers have claimed that food choices that are made by consumers could have a big impact on climate change. According to a team of researchers at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, cutting consumption of dairy products and meat could significantly reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.

The author of the study, Alexander Popp, said that meat and milk really matter here. He said that the reduced consumption of these things could decrease the future emissions of nitrous oxide and methane from agriculture.

Of course, Alexander did note that he knows that in the developing world, livestock and dairy products are very important to people due to the fact that many are suffering from protein deficiencies. However, in developed nations, a less meat-oriented diet could have positive health benefits. After all, more developed nations are consuming more meat than what dieticians recommend.

The researchers also stated that, in addition to dietary shifts, improved agricultural practices could also play a very big role in reducing climate change. Thus overall, it would appear that this research shows that a change in agricultural could really help to bring down dangerous greenhouse gases.

Researchers did state that improved agricultural practices, although helpful, would not offer as much change as what would be seen if consumers change their food consumption patterns. By changing, people can eat healthier and save the planet at the same time. It’s really a win, win for everyone.

Just earlier this month, the United Nations Environment Program’s International Panel of Sustainable Resource Management urged consumers to cut down on how much meat they are eating. They noted that this would help to reduce their carbon footprint.