Source: The Guardian (2023, August 18). ‘Gigantic’ power of meat industry blocking green alternatives, study finds. Retrieved August 22, 2023, from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/aug/18/gigantic-power-of-meat-industry-blocking-green-alternatives-study-finds
According to this article, EU and US’s dominant meat and dairy industries hinder the development of greener alternatives, which are essential for addressing the climate crisis. According to the analysis, Us animal farmers received funding that was 800 times greater than that given to EU livestock farmers and 1,200 times greater than that given to plant-based or farmed meat groups. Although the production of livestock accounts for 15 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions, the dietary guidelines rarely acknowledge the environmental impact. Researchers advocate for modifying policies, raising customer awareness, and raising prices.
I think this study highlights how powerful meat and dairy industries affect greener alternatives for the climate. Unequal financial support benefits traditional farming, as weak dietary guidelines conceal environmental impacts.. Solutions require pricing meat fairly, investing in alternatives, and informing consumers. While progress is happening, I think overcoming industry resistance is the key. Achieving sustainable diets means giving alternatives a chance to shine for both the environment and health.
It’s evident that the influence of meat and dairy industries, particularly in the EU and the US, plays a significant role in hindering the development of greener alternatives. What specific measures or strategies do you believe could be effective in overcoming industry resistance and promoting the adoption of sustainable diets and greener alternatives?
Thank you for your thoughtful question. I think that in order to overcome industry resistance and encourage greener diets, governments should reduce accessibility to traditional meat and dairy, making plant-based options more affordable. Clear food labels showing environmental impact and health benefits can help consumers choose wisely.
Very interesting topic and I really think that our personal consumption has grown expediently and it’s really affecting our world. How do you think these policing will work and how effective do you think they will be because limiting meat consumption is something that will be wildly protested against? The diets of some Americans are so extreme that today some of them are fully carnivores, so I just think it will be very controversial to put regulations on meat products.
Hi, thank you for your question. I was thinking the same thing about how most Americans have a diet that consists of a lot of meat. Implementing policies to limit meat consumption may be challenging due to resistance from powerful meat and dairy industries, and common dietary habits. The success of these polices require a combination of factors, including public awareness, education, and incentives for transitioning to more sustainable diets.