Rethinking Food Systems to Mitigate Climate Change

The year 2024 was the warmest on record, with global temperatures reaching 1.6°C above preindustrial levels. This surpasses the critical 1.5°C threshold for preventing severe climate consequences. Animal agriculture contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, yet remains overlooked in many climate strategies.

A recent study in the Oxford Open Climate Change journal advocates for a fundamental shift to plant-based diets and a phaseout of intensive factory farming. Researchers highlight that continuing current meat consumption trends could double meat demand by 2050, requiring vast deforestation.

The proposed strategies include removing subsidies and increasing taxes on animal products. The health benefits of plant-based diets are significant, reducing chronic diseases and global antibiotic-resistant infections linked to animal farming.

The call includes plant-based pet food to lessen environmental impacts. The study stresses the necessity of changing production and consumption patterns to ensure a sustainable future.