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Landon Combass

Mrs. Diana Watkins

Eng Comp 2

27 February 2017

Our costly and prideful dependence on Animal Agriculture

When I was young there would come times that I didnt want to finish my plate during

diner with my great grandfather. He would always tell that there are starving children who would

kill for the scraps that were left on my plate. I didnt get that unlike everyone else. I thought that

we shouldnt be overeating and saving our spares for those who are in need of it, instead of just

throwing it away. We were also taught to be frugal in every way possible so we could sustain our

lifestyle, but we never thought what if the earth cant sustain us.

All across the media we talk about climate change, and how it is caused by human action.

The only thing we hear about is fossil fuels and how its devastating our environment. But Prof

Michael PhD from the Lancet said Worldwide, agricultural activity, especially livestock

production, accounts for about a fifth of total greenhouse-gas emissions, thus contributing to

climate change and its adverse health consequences, including the threat to food yields in many

regions. (3 Prof Anthony J Michael, PhD). What we dont hear about is animal agriculture and

how it is effecting our environment. The facts simply are that eating meat is not sustainable.

The meat-based food system requires more energy, land, and water resources than the

lactoovovegetarian diet. In this limited sense, the lactoovovegetarian diet is more sustainable

than the average American meat-based diet (Pimentel, 1). Methane also makes a huge impact

on our environment. It causes up to 16% of our climate change. The methane pollution comes
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from our cattle, and related species. Were over producing them more than ever was supposed to

be in existence.

When discussing vegetarian diets people are usually under the impression that

vegetarians dont get enough protein which is just not true, there are plenty of other sources for

protein. Beans and vegetables offer great amount of protein Also as a bonus you get more

vitamins, and starches. Additionally, when eliminating meat from your diet you also eliminate

the demand which cuts down on land use. 55% of our land is already being used for Animal

Agriculture, by cutting the demand we would use less land for animal agriculture and more for

housing, or forestry. By replacing an omnivorous diet with a vegan diet the average person can

prevent the emission of about 1.5 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere. Thats 50% more CO2

saved! (Berry, Goji 1). That is a massive impact for just one person to have by just simply

cutting meat out of their diet. We could start dedicating land to solar energy production.

When discussing land were also discussing our oceans. Our oceans are our main source

of life. There are more species there than on land. When mass fishing were also causing mass

extinctions in the fish population. Our oceans are becoming desolate. Theyre becoming more

and more empty.

Which is why we need to start eating meat less and not looking at it as a must have in

every meal. Its not sustainable and we know it for a fact. This is whats required for us to

continue on as a species until our planet is completely done with us. Until we have the

technology to move on to another planet.

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Work Cited

1 Berry, Goji. "Facts on Animal Farming and the Environment." One Green Planet.

Taboolo, 21 Nov. 2012. Web. 17 Feb. 2017.

2 David, Pimentel. Sustainability of Meat-based and Plant-based Diets and the

Environment. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 01 Sept. 2003. Web. 17 Feb. 2017.

3 Prof Anthony J Michael, PhD, John W Powles, PhD, Colin D Butler, PhD, Prof Ricardo

Uauy, PhD. Food, livestock production, energy, climate change, and health. The Lancet, 6-12

Oct 2007. 2 Feb 2017