Climate Diet, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting environmentally sustainable eating habits, is urging policymakers, industry leaders, and consumers to support the Advisory Group report that provided input to new USDA guidelines emphasizing the need for sustainable food systems to address climate change by adopting sustainable dietary habits at home, in schools, and across institutions.
The report’s recommendations highlight the importance of reducing the environmental impact of food production, specifically calling for increased consumption of plant-based foods and decreased reliance on resource-intensive animal agriculture. This is in response to growing scientific consensus linking agricultural practices to approximately 31% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
"The report's proactive stance on integrating sustainability into dietary recommendations is a significant step toward mitigating climate change," said Jane DeMarines, Executive Director of Climate Diet. "This guidance aligns with Climate Diet's mission to educate individuals on the environmental impact of their food choices. By empowering consumers to shift toward plant-based diets with meat replacements like beans and lentils, we can collectively reduce emissions, conserve water, and protect biodiversity.”
The Climate Cost of Animal Agriculture
Research shows that animal agriculture is responsible for at least 14.5% of global GHG emissions, with beef production alone accounting for 41% of those emissions. Furthermore, producing a single pound of beef requires roughly 1,800 gallons of water, compared to 16 gallons for a pound of lettuce. By reducing the consumption of animal products, the USDA estimates lower U.S. agricultural emissions by up to 20% by 2030, contributing significantly to the nation’s climate goals.
"Our planet is at a critical tipping point," added DeMarines. "The report’s guidance provides an opportunity for transformative change in the way we eat and produce food. But we need all hands on deck—policymakers, businesses, and individuals alike—to ensure these guidelines become actionable solutions."
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ABOUT CLIMATE DIET
Climate Diet is a Maryland-based nonprofit that aims to shed light on a critical, yet often-overlooked climate change culprit — animal agriculture. Recognized as the second-largest producer of human-made greenhouse gas emissions, animal farming is also the leading cause of deforestation, pollution, biodiversity loss, and soil erosion.
Climate Diet is a Maryland-based nonprofit that aims to shed light on a critical, yet often-overlooked climate change culprit — animal agriculture. Recognized as the second-largest producer of human-made greenhouse gas emissions, animal farming is also the leading cause of deforestation, pollution, biodiversity loss, and soil erosion.
