Meat+the+Truth...


 * Carol Pham**
 * N8831416**
 * Tutor: Steve Badman**

** The temperatures are rising, just as the theory predicted. But where is the connection with CO2, greenhouse gases such as methane, ozone or nitrous oxide? It’s time to meat the truth! **

** Artefact ** media type="youtube" key="CqMaDc4G_vs" width="504" height="282" align="center" [] Most people are now aware of the critical issues related to climate change and have some understanding of the effects that it will wreak, however, few people are aware of where the devastating impacts come from. This film clip expresses the importance for mankind to live in harmony with the environment and brings to attention the high stakes the entire world faces if society remains ignorant towards this critical issue. **// “Humans and Natural environments can’t be separated”. //**The message suggests that the time to act is now. It is not difficult to foresee the result from the chaos of climate change however, failure to act can cause health and environments issues so catastrophic that the consequences would haunt all of humanity until the end of time.

** Public Health Issues **

In order to understand the effects that climate change has upon human health, it is crucial to know where the enormous impacts come from. This review will discuss the significant impacts associated with health and the welfare of people specifically related to livestock production and climate change. There have been several reports found from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) (2013) which brings attention to the challenges of livestock production being one of the major causes of the world's most pressing environmental problems, including global warming, land degradation, air and water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) (2012), mitigating the effects of climate change as well as adapting to the current challenges of the situations will lead humanity to better health and improved health systems for the future.

** Literature Review ** media type="youtube" key="MzPoab9_Lac" width="560" height="315" align="center" [] ** Change is difficult… Not changing is fatal! ** The impacts of climate change on human health depends on many factors, but over the last decade, several reports by leading experts in climate change and agriculture have drastically emphasised on the harmful environmental effects and health risk associated with the production of livestock (Stanford University, 2007). Röös, Sundberg, Tidåker, Strid and Hansson (2013) stated that the greatest environmental impact within food production is the production of meat, yet meat remains to be one of highest consumed product around the world. Scientists and policy experts have confirmed that the global meat production has tripled in the past three decades, and could double its present level by 2050 (Opio, Gerber, & Steinfeld, 2011). These reports continue to state that the impact of the livestock revolution is likely to have significant consequences to human health, the environment and the global economy. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) cited in The Guardian supports this and estimates that farmers will need to produce approximately 70-100% more food by 2050, to meet the needs of the world’s rapid growing population (The Guardian, 2011). These effects will become even more overwhelming if the population growth is forecasted to surge as living standards are already on the rise, and developing countries are already fuelled by the desire to increase food consumption, especially those of animal origin (Otte & Grace, 2012).To ensure human health, it is essential to recognize the critical links and feedback loops existing both within and between the food system, climate, and society (Edwards, et al., 2011).

In today’s contemporary era, most farmed animals are found in confined animal feed operations, or better known as factory farms (Donham, 2010). These farmed animals are commonly reared in cages and tightly cramped quarters where feed is brought to them rather than grazing freely off the land (National Resource Defence Coucil, 2013). They are literally imprisoned and often tortured by unhealthy, unsanitary and unethical cruel conditions (Stanford University, 2007). As a preventative from an inevitable spread of disease due to overcrowded space, lack of vitamins and stress experienced by the animals, they are fed antibiotics which then contribute in a direct threat to the environment due to factory farm run-offs in the ground and out into the water systems (Stanford University, 2007). In addition, antibiotic-resistant disease in humans and animals are increased due to impurities ending up in drinking water.

Worldwide, agricultural activity, especially livestock production, accounts for nearly a fifth of total greenhouse gas emissions, thus contributing to climate change and its adverse health consequences. (McMichael, Powles, Butler, & Uauy, 2007) Confined animal feed operations also contribute directly to global warming by releasing vast amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, such as methane which is through the release of digestion of organic materials by livestock, predominantly found with beef cattle (Bourgeois, 2012). What is alarming is that according to the Environmental Integrity Project, the air at some factory farms have become so potent that the conditions have been found to be worse than some of America’s most polluted cities (Environmental Integrity Project, 2011). Furthermore, factory farms are indirectly contributing to climate disruption by their impact on deforestation and draining of wetlands. The nitrous oxide emissions from huge amounts of pesticides used to grow the genetically engineered corn and soy fed to animals raised in confined animal feeding operations, are also a major culprit in environmental contamination (Yacoubou, 2009). Just as waste from animals leach hormones and antibiotics into the ground and water, fertilizers and pesticides also eventually find their way into waterways, creating further damage to the environment and public health (Yacoubou, 2009). Ultimately, unless appropriate measures are taken soon, the extreme increases in the projected livestock production systems will double the current environmental burden and will exacerbate the large scale of ecosystem degradation (Nardone, Ronchi, Lacetera, Ranieri, & Bernabucci, 2010).

It is now clear that the climate system has already shifted, and while extreme weather events have always occurred naturally, the global climate system is hotter and wetter than it was 50 years ago (Hughes, 2013). Based on the current review, it is by no means an exaggeration to express that the livestock industry is clearly one of the major problems that the world faces today, and how society chooses to mediate with these challenges, will have far reaching effects on the well-being of future generations (Otte & Grace, 2012). The consequences of climate change were once a matter for the future, but as the climate shifts we are already witnessing the consequences (Hughes, 2013). One measure to minimise agricultural emissions is for people to reduce the consumption of meat and dairy products (Reynolds, 2013). This should help to stabilize or shrink livestock populations, lower the pressure to clear mass amounts of land for livestock, and decrease the proportion of grains that is grown for livestock feed (Reynolds, 2013). According to Fritz Schnieder from the Swiss College of Agriculture, limitations exist as a large part of this problem comes down to the individual consumer and the complexity of the situation that lies between two demands; the “desire” for animal food products and the “need” for environmental services (Stanford University, 2010).

The most immediate action for the near future for both policy makers and scientists is to hasten the public’s knowledge on improving the efficiency of livestock production, to both consumers and agriculturalists (Gill, Smith, & Wilkinson, 2010). With greater understanding of these complex issues, information, communication and education can play critical roles in enhancing people’s willingness to act. Consumers will likely to be the main sources of commercial and political pressure to push towards a more sustainable future and with better policies and practices in place to reduce the adverse effects of livestock production, mankind’s food supplies and natural resources can be preserved, today and in the future (Gill, Smith, & Wilkinson, 2010).



“It is the Critical Decade to get on with the job of tackling climate change.” – Climate Commission

** Cultural and Social Analysis ** As the literature indicates, meat production continues to have enormous impacts on climate change, resulting this to be a considerably large debate in today’s contemporary era (Bulkeley, 2013). Despite these affects, diet and health have not been a main issue on the climate agenda until more recent times (McMichael, Powles, Butler, & Uauy, 2007). From the view of human beings historically, the fundamental points about diet and health has always been purely for survival however, today’s contemporary forms of current trends in diet choices point towards an increase in environmental effects, as well as public health concerns (Carlsson-Kanyama & González, 2009; McMichael, Powles, Butler, & Uauy, 2007). This is an ongoing challenge as modern culture is shaped by the demands of food and consumer goods while the perception of a ‘good life’ such as the need for comfort, quality and convenience is constructed by societal norms (Bulkeley, 2013). As Ford (2012) stated, while culture has its effects on climate, in turn climate also has its effects on culture. Human life heavily depends on the recurring use of carbon, oxygen, water, and energy and for this reason, it is crucial to recognizing that man’s necessities and enjoyments have been an enormous impact on stripping the earth’s resources for decades (Goudie, 2013). In addition to this issue, societies desires to have more possessions than others has created a cultural divide between those causing climate change, and those affected by it.

Since these recent growing debates, public discussions on climate change has returned to the forefront of media and government attention (Arup, 2013). Scientists from multiple disciplines are paying close attention to this study; news reports are appearing frequently; activists are reappearing to promote more awareness and politicians are proposing policies, which governments are implementing, declining or sabotaging (Arup, 2013). The scale of these connected activities have had a considerable effect on the social construction of climate change all around the world however, societies will not be equally impacted. It is true that the consequences are global and solutions cannot be developed within one single society, since what happens in one will in turn effect all (Urry, 2011). Cultural groups from all races around the world will be affected however, the vital point to recognize is that the potential environmental impacts will be suffered differently. (Bulkeley, 2013). Increases in temperatures and decreases in water availability are expected to exacerbate vulnerability in droughts, forest fires and heat waves in certain regions. Other regions with low-lying coastal areas may face the challenge of sea-level rises or an increased risk of associated storm surges (Bulkeley, 2013). Low-income countries will be especially challenged as their livelihoods depend on weather-sensitive agricultural production, thus for many poor countries, the effects of climate change can be devastating (Di Falco, Yesuf, Kohlin, & Ringler, 2012). // Retrieved from: [] // Climate concerns like these can shape the way people react and in today’s multidimensional society, change is ultimately dedicated by the masses. Social trends are generated by “power of the people,” which then is normally adapted by those in higher control such as political parties. The challenge is that climate change is still mostly seen first and foremost as an environmental issue although growing evidence is focusing on health concerns. This brings attention to the need for further educational campaigns along with clearer and concise messages (Laestadius, Neff, Barry, & Frattaroli, 2013). By building awareness and understanding, people may then be able to collectively integrate beliefs and cultural developments in order to design and create comprehensive policies to best combat climate change worldwide from a multidimensional perspective.



** Learning Reflection ** This artefact is an excellent depiction of the dramatic effects on climate change and what is expected to be on the natural world if the global population remains apathetic towards this critical issue. It expresses the overall effects on human health due to global warming and brings to attention the threat on human existence. Many of these expected impacts are a result of exhaustive scientific research and although much public discussion states that climate change is inevitable, scientists have presented research that supports the rapid speed of climate change has been accelerated as a result of human activities. The video clip represents a multidimensional perspective of the impacts on climate change with a glimpse of what may come in the future.

In relation to society and the health effects of the meat industries impacts on climate change, I was largely unaware of how societies ‘way of life’ and need for material objects could indirectly contribute to such significant health concerns and environmental impacts. As I continued to read through literature to gain a clearer understanding of the entire commodity chain of the livestock industry, I finally came to realise the magnitude of the potential problem. I have come to realise that this is an issue within every society that should not be ignored any longer. I think that if all stakeholders responsible for public health impacts and climate change were more widely known, more people would be actively interest in learning about climate change and they would have a better idea on how to personally make a difference. The time to make a change is now because the clock is ticking, and everyone’s health is at risk to climate change. I just cannot disconnects myself from what I now know and am personally starting with “Meat free Monday’s!”

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Bourgeois, L. (2012). Discounted Threat: Environmental Impacts of the Livestock Industry. //Earth Common Journal, 2//(1), 153-167.

Bulkeley, H. (2013). //Cities and Climate Change.// Oxon, Abingdon: Routledge.

Carlsson-Kanyama, A., & González, A. D. (2009). Potential contributions of food consumption patterns to climate change. //The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 89//(5), 1704S-1709S.

//Climate Change and Health//. (2012, October). Retrieved from World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs266/en/.

Di Falco, S., Yesuf, M., Kohlin, G., & Ringler, C. (2012). Estimating the impact of climate change on agriculture in low-income countries: household level evidence from the Nile Basin, Ethiopia. //Environmental and Resource Economics, 4//, 457-478.

Donham, K. J. (2010). Community and occupational health concerns in pork production: A review. //Journal of animal science, 88//(13), 102-111. doi:10.2527/jas.2009-2554.

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Environmental Integrity Project. (2011). //Hazardous Pollution From Factory Farms: An Analysis of EPA's Nationa Air Emissions Monitoring Study Data.//

Ford, T. (2012, August 27). //Australian National University//. Retrieved from The Cultural History of Climate Change: http://rsha.anu.edu.au/cultural-history-climate-change.

Gill, M., Smith, P., & Wilkinson, J. M. (2010). Mitigating climate change: the role of domestic livestock. //Animal, 4//(3), 323-333. doi:10.1017/S1751731109004662.

Goudie, A. (2013). //The human impact on the natural environment: past, present and future// (7th ed.). Oxford, UK: John Wiley and Sons Ltd.

Hughes, L. (2013, June 17). //Updating the state of Australia’s climate//. Retrieved from The Conversation Media Group: http://theconversation.com/updating-the-state-of-australias-climate-15233.

McMichael, A. J., Powles, J. W., Butler, C. D., & Uauy, R. (2007). Food, livestock production, energy, climate change, and health. //The Lancet, 370//(9594), 1253-1263.

Nardone, A., Ronchi, B., Lacetera, N., Ranieri, M. S., & Bernabucci, U. (2010). Effects of climate changes on animal production and sustainability of livestock systems. //Livestock Science, 130//(1-3), 57-69. doi:org/10.1016/j.livsci.2010.02.011. //National Resource Defence Coucil//. (2013, February 21). Retrieved from Pollution from Giant Livestock Farms Threatens Public Health: http://www.nrdc.org/water/pollution/nspills.asp.

Opio, C., Gerber, P., & Steinfeld, H. (2011). Livestock and the environment: Addressing the consequences of livestock sector growth. //Advances in Animal Biosciences, 2//(3), 601-607. doi:org/10.1017/S204047001100286X.

Otte, J., & Grace, D. (2012). Human health risks from the human-animal interface in Asia. //Asian livestock,, 16//(2010), 121-160.

Reynolds, L. (2013, October 13). //Agriculture and Livestock Remain Major Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions//. Retrieved from Worldwatch Insitute: http://www.worldwatch.org/agriculture-and-livestock-remain-major-sources-greenhouse-gas-emissions-0.

Röös, E., Sundberg, C., Tidåker, P., Strid, I., & Hansson, P. (2013). Can carbon footprint serve as an indicator of the environmental impact of meat production? //Ecological Indicators, 24//, 573-581. doi:org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2012.08.004.

Stanford University. (2007, Feburary 22). //ScienceDaily//. Retrieved from Harmful Environmental Effects Of Livestock Production On The Planet 'Increasingly Serious,' Says Panel: October 14, 2013, from [].

Stanford University. (2010, March 17). //Environmental and social impact of the 'livestock revolution//. Retrieved from ScienceDaily: October 14, 2013, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2010/03/100316101703.htm.

The Guardian. (2011, November 28). Retrieved from The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates that farmers will have to produce 70% more food by 2050 to meet the needs of the world's expected 9-billion-strong population.: http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2011/nov/28/un-farmers-produce-food-population.

UN New Centre. (2013). //UN News Centre//. Retrieved from Rearing cattle produces more greenhouse gases than driving cars, UN report warns: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?newsID=20772&CR1=warning#.UkJtF01-9dh.

Urry, J. (2011). //Climate change and society.// Malden, MA: Polity Press.

Yacoubou, J. (2009). The Vegetarian Solution to Water Pollution. //Vegetarian Journal, 28//(1), 22-27.

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