Go Vegetarian: Halt Global Warming

Global warming is the gradual increase in global temperatures caused by the emission of gases that trap the sun's heat in the Earth's atmosphere. Gases that contribute to global warming include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxides, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and halocarbons (the replacements for CFCs). The carbon dioxide emissions are primarily caused by the use of fossil fuels for energy.

These gases that cause global warming are collectively called the "greenhouse gases".

There are lots of websites that give informaton and tips on little things that every one of us can do to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Most common advices are the following:

1. Drive less and/or use more fuel-efficient cars. Use public transport where you can.

2. Use energy efficient lighting - use either fluorescent or compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs in place of incandescent ones.

3. Lower your thermostats in winter time and raise them in summer. Insulate homes/offices better.

4. Whereever possible, use an energy provider that generates energy from 100% renewable resources.

It is evident that most are concentrating on transport and energy sector. However, according to a report published by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the livestock sector generates more greenhouse gas emissions as measured in CO2 equivalent – 18 percent – than transport. It is also a major source of land and water degradation. This report is deliberately titled "Livestock's Long Shadow". “The environmental costs per unit of livestock production must be cut by one half, just to avoid the level of damage worsening beyond its present level,” it warns. The report also gives of examples of policy initiatives taken in some countries - New Zealand and the Netherlands for example - to reduce emissions from this sector. But that is for governments and policy makers to consider. What we as individuals can do is both simple and profound - see what National Geographic has to say:

If, like most Americans, you get close to 30 percent of your calories from meat, dairy, and poultry, your diet contributes over 1,485.1 kilograms CO2 per year. Vegetarian diets contribute half that, but you can also replace your calories from red meat with fish and eggs, for savings of over 430.9 kilograms CO2 per year.

References:

1. A Calculated Loss: How to Reduce Your Global Warming Emissions : http://green.nationalgeographic.com/environment/going-green/calculated-loss-emissions.html

2. Livestock a major threat to environment : http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2006/1000448/index.html

Resources:

1. To know more about global warming, watch the intellectually stimulating movie "An Inconvenient Truth". DVD's can be purchased online.

2. Subscribe to The Green Guide : http://www.thegreenguide.com/ (National Geographic)