What is the deal on climate change? We are in the 6th mass extinction due to the extreme rate of species loss on the planet. Climate scientists report that humans’ actions are as catastrophic as an asteroid hitting us. As brands strive to prove they are part of climate change solutions, many miss an important note in the conversation. As a health and climate-conscious brand, we must understand this issue better than the general public. The leading cause of climate change is often ignored. Climate change is primarily driven by modern food production because of its four significant impacts: pollution, freshwater use, greenhouse gas emissions, and marine living resources. Trends like recycling, taking shorter showers, and switching to reusable straws are not the most effective steps to preserve the human species or to be the most authentic brand possible.
To truly understand this issue, we need to analyze the crisis clearly. Humans’ meat consumption emits between 18% to 50% (most likely 30%) of all greenhouse gasses, more emissions than all the transportation sectors put together. Meat production is responsible for polluting freshwater resources, and now over half of all the fresh water on earth is unsuitable for marine life. The dead zones, like the one in the Gulf of Mexico, grow every year. We then extract clean water deep in the earth called “Aquifers” and are leaving future generations with no clean water. We are also fishing the oceans dry and destroying them with unreasonable fishing methods. The UN expects fishless oceans by 2048 if the current rates of consuming marine life continue. Humans consume about ten billion land animals every year and trillions of water animals in just the US. How does meat specifically cause these issues? The answer is a combination of land and water usage and greenhouse gas emissions from the need to produce so much meat. Also, ninety percent of all deforestation can be traced back to the meat industry.
Although the reality of climate change is scary, there are optimistic and real solutions to stand behind as a brand and influence large groups of people. We need to take care of the planet, and it may be up to brands like us to provide the most hope because of the massive disconnect between public health and agriculture policy. Many people have no idea that one burger uses the same amount of water as showering for three months. If the government did not subsidize beef, a regular hamburger would cost $17 to $25. We can reduce carbon footprints and prolong our time on earth if we switch to vegan diets. That means taking action to make a vegan diet accessible and easy. It also means serving vegan food in staff meetings, providing free resources for vegan coaching and meal plans, and bringing in guest speakers to educate employees about the different ways animal agriculture destroys the environment.
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