Author: ariasw

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Environment Agency Accused of ‘Scandalous Neglect’ over Chicken Excrement Entering River Wye

Jon Ungoed-Thomas. (2024, January 13.) Environment Agency accused of ‘scandalous neglect’ over chicken excrement entering River Wye retrieved January 28 from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/13/environment-agency-accused-of-scandalous-neglect-over-chicken-excrement-entering-river-wye

River Action, a conservation group, claims that the Environment Agency has ignored the River Wye as part of its effort to expose runoff and contaminated waters from free-range egg farms that are directly entering waterways. Out of 47 sites studied in England and Wales, 19 had drains from poultry units spilling into local watercourses, which violated standards. The Wye and Usk Foundation, in collaboration with free-range egg farmers, conducted advisory visits and notified the Environment Agency of the contamination risk, requesting aid. River Action is seeking a court review, arguing the agency failed to prevent agricultural contamination in the Wye. Noble Foods, the Happy Egg Company’s owner, is working to address issues and move to sustainable practices, while the British Egg Industry Council addresses compliance with laws and funds studies on the environmental impact of free-range farming.

The article highlights the alarming tendency of the meat business not only contributing to deforestation but also harming river ecosystems. While the British Egg Company intends to fund studies on the environmental effects of free-range farming, I think that the primary concern is the farm owners’ irresponsibility and insufficient disposal of the contamination. I think free-range farming is not inherently the problem; rather, the real concern is the owners’ failure to manage their waste correctly. Instead of changing to cage-raised hens, which might risk their health and egg quality, an easier solution would be to move chicken farms to regions where waste disposal is not threatening rivers or community health. This strategy promotes the welfare of the chickens, ensures the production of high-quality eggs, and reduces the negative environmental impact on our important river ecosystems.

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Commit to Meat Reduction in 2024 for the Sake of Animals, People and the Planet

Kitty Block. (2024, January 10.) Commit to meat reduction in 2024 for the sake of animals, people and the planet retrieved January 28 2024 from https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/25375-us-beef-industry-may-see-more-red-ink-in-2024

In 2023, COP28, the UN climate conference in Dubai, dedicated a day to “Food, Agriculture, and Water,” emphasizing the environmental impact of meat production, which accounts for nearly 1 ⁄ 3 of human-generated greenhouse emissions. The meeting contained positive advances, with over 150 countries pledging to integrate sustainable agriculture into their climate action plans. The UAE Declaration emphasized the benefits of embracing sustainable and nutritious diets for both the environment and health. To address climate change, the article emphasizes the need to limit animal agriculture while promoting alternatives such as plant-based choices. The worldwide commitment demonstrated at COP28 shows a united effort to address environmental issues.

The contents of this article seem very promising and positive to me. Initiatives like transitioning meals to plant-based options demonstrates practical solutions to target and reduce the effects it has on our environment. I was surprised by how many countries have decided to fight against climate change, and the positive changes it may bring in the future. Over 150 countries pledging to change their ways highlights how there is still hope and people to vow to reduce these ongoing problems that contribute to the loss of human life and overall the destruction of our environment. I support and agree with what these conferences aim to do, and I believe that there are many steps needed in order to eliminate the problems created by meat production. Firstly, it would be necessary to implement plant based meat into more of our meals. The article highlights this idea, as it would be healthier for our environment whilst reducing harm towards animals. If all countries that pledged would actively try to reduce climate change, we would see huge differences in our environment and health as humans.

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The Climate Summit Starts to Crack a Tough Nut: Emissions From Food

Somini Sengupta. (2023, December 12.) The Climate Summit Starts to Crack a Tough Nut: Emissions From Food retrieved January 28 2024 from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/12/climate/dubai-cop28-climate-food-agriculture.html

The latest United Nations climate conference, COP28, addressed the topic of linking global agricultural systems with climate goals. The food sector, which accounts for 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions and is a major contributor to biodiversity loss, poses issues. Climate dangers pose a greater threat to small farmers in developing countries. Global hunger has increased, affecting approximately 735 million people. Despite the difficulty of changing global eating patterns and agricultural practices, more than two-thirds of countries have supported a nonbinding pact to transform the food system. The Food and Agriculture Organization has put forward a plan to reduce food waste and livestock emissions by 2030. However, implementing these changes requires national governments to enact concrete policies, and debates about incorporating agricultural emission targets in the main climate agreement.

This article shocked me by revealing that the food industry accounts for 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions. It is more than just an environmental issue though, it also poses a threat to small farmers who compete with large organizations. The alarming number of 735 million people affected by global hunger highlights the importance of addressing these issues. Food waste is an enormous problem, particularly in developed countries such as the United States. I think that we should implement policies such as the carbon tax, which we are recently learning about. Policies like this could hold huge corporations accountable for their environmental and social consequences. The idea for a carbon tax stands out as a way to encourage firms to adopt sustainable practices through financial consequences.

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The Chicken Tycoons vs. the Antitrust Hawks.

H. Claire Brown. (2023, November 29.) The Chicken Tycoons vs. the Antitrust Hawks. Retrieved January 27, 2024 from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/29/magazine/chicken-industry-antitrust.html

In recent years, the chicken industry, particularly Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), has encountered issues and controversy. KFC sales generally peak around Mother’s Day in the year due to a tradition they created. However, in 2014, a chicken shortage issue developed as a result of a bid-rigging fraud in the poultry business. KFC solicited bids from major suppliers, but collaboration among them resulted in increased prices, causing complaints about unfair competition. In 2022, the Biden administration planned to address the meat industry challenges, noting inflation worries caused by rising beef, pork, and poultry costs. Despite efforts to charge executives for price fixing, a third trial in July 2022 resulted in an acquittal. The Biden administration also filed a civil complaint against poultry processors for wage reduction. This legal action aimed to combat unfair business practices and resulted in a $85 million compensation settlement. The article discusses the difficulties in implementing antitrust laws, limited success in achieving significant changes in the poultry industry, despite government interventions.

The ability of these organizations to avoid legal consequences does not surprise me, as it is consistent with a pattern in which many large corporations bypass accountability for their actions. This issue goes beyond just legal matters, such as the often-overlooked issues of animal abuse and environmental damage, which are especially common in large and popular fast food companies. The ability of these firms to avoid lawsuits indicates greater ability to cover up instances of animal cruelty and environmental damage. To solve this systemic issue, stricter laws governing animal production and care are essential. We can build a stronger foundation for ensuring animal welfare by enforcing stricter restrictions and consequences on how animals are treated in these businesses. Furthermore, improving restrictions around habitat degradation is also critical. This involves imposing strict standards on companies to prevent irreversible harm to ecosystems, holding them accountable for the environmental repercussions of their actions.

Grilling the World’s Biggest Meat Producer.

David Gelles. (2023, September 28.) Grilling the world’s biggest meat producer. Retrieved Jan 27, 2024 from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/28/climate/grilling-the-worlds-biggest-meat-producer.html

JBS, the world’s largest beef producer with yearly earnings over $50 billion, is being scrutinized for its huge contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. JBS operates globally, with a supply network that extends into areas such as the Amazon rainforest, resulting in significant carbon dioxide and methane emissions. A study reveals that JBS creates more emissions per year than the entire country of Italy, with a 51% increase between 2016 and 2021. Environmental activists criticize JBS’s listing on the New York Stock Exchange, noting the company’s poor environmental record and governance policies. JBS claims they have a commitment to zero deforestation, but despite these claims, some investigations show JBS’s links to deforestation, raising concerns about transparency and credibility.

This article about JBS is highly concerning to me, shedding light on its significant environmental impact. JBS’ substantial contributions to carbon dioxide and methane emissions, which very surprisingly surpassed the entirety of Italy’s greenhouse gas emissions in a year, make me more concerned about the meat industry’s environmental impact, and not just the abuse of animals. The company’s involvement in deforestation in places such as the Amazon rainforest, is the worst part, as there are many biodiverse ecosystems that are getting destroyed, this highlights the need for immediate action to address the negative effects this company inflicts on the environment. I think that places like the amazon rainforest should no doubt be fully protected with severe consequences if not abided by. Large companies like JBS are hard to change, and as stated in the article they may be lying about their commitment to non-deforestation. If we cannot stop the companies, we need to protect the forests in which they are destroying. I think it is common sense at this point to protect and conserve all of the diminishing biodiversity-rich areas that we have left. In the meantime if possible, I think that JBS must prioritize transparency by giving detailed and verifiable information about their sourcing, animal slaughter rates, and overall carbon footprint.

 

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‘Gigantic’ Power of Meat Industry Blocking Green Alternatives, Study Finds.

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.

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2023 Red Meat Production Expected to be Lower.

Source: Meat Poultry (2023, April 4). 2023 Red Meat Production Expected to be Lower. Retrieved August 6, 2023, from https://www.meatpoultry.com/articles/28255-2023-red-meat-production-expected-to-be-lower

The US Department of Agriculture predicts that beef production will decline significantly in 2023, increasing turkey, broiler, and pork production. This will result in the first decrease in total red meat production in 9 years.Decreased beef production, attributed to falling cattle numbers due to factors like drought, plays a significant role. The estimated production will be predicted to drop 0.3% less than 2022. Prices in cattle are expected to rise, while hog and broiler prices are expected to decline. 

I think that the predicted decline in beef production will shift so humans will utilize more diverse meat sources. This change could help improve efforts to address environmental concerns and optimize resource use. While factors like cattle shortages due to drought contribute to decreased beef production, this transition simultaneously aligns with the growing awareness of sustainability. Price alteration might cause conflict within the debate of affordability. This idea considers the need for a balanced approach in our diets, considering both nutritional needs and environmental impacts.

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The Supreme Court’s Ruling on Prop 12 is a Win Against Factory Farming. But the Pigs’ Lives Will Still Suck.

Source: Vox (2023, July 26). The Supreme Court’s Ruling on Prop 12 is a Win Against Factory Farming. But the Pigs’ Lives Will Still Suck. Retrieved August 6, 2023, from https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/23721488/prop-12-scotus-pork-pigs-factory-farming-california-bacon

The US Supreme Court upheld California’s Proposition 12, which forbids the sale of pork from farms that use “gestation crates.” The pork industry opposes the law’s requirements that pregnant pigs have more space. The ruling has implications for the Commerce Clause’s judicial authority and exposes a flaw in US animal law. Although this is viewed as a victory for animal welfare, critics point out that the law has limitations, and only certain pork products are covered. The decision sparks conflict about whether small changes can result in significant changes in factory farming practices and animal rights legislation.

I think the result of Prop 12 acknowledges the significant difficulties in agriculture and animal welfare. While carrying out minor changes, legal measures may not fully address the underlying causes of environmental concerns. This makes it necessary to think about non-regulatory solutions, such as investigating new methods of meat production. The decision emphasizes the need for efforts that challenge the current situation and improve sustainable meat production techniques in California.

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Two California Companies Will Soon Sell Lab-Grown Meat.

Source: The New York Times (2023, June 30). Two California Companies Will Soon Sell Lab-Grown Meat. Retrieved August 6, 2023, from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/30/us/california-lab-grown-meat.html

The US Agriculture department permits sale of meat cultivated from animal stem cells, which is gaining popularity in California. This process makes artificial meat by multiplying stem cells in bioreactors, which  then evolve into nutritional fat, muscle, and tissue. Many bring up positive ideas regarding environmental benefits and animal welfare, but concerns arise about risks with byproducts. The U.S is the second country to approve the sale of cell-based meat, but there is a lot of controversy with people thinking of the meat as “cultivated’ and “synthetic.” Though, this breakthrough can reshape the food industry. 

I think that lab-grown meat may provide a solution to the issues with conventional meat production in California. This has the potential to completely alter the way we think about meat production and how it affects our environment. While lab-grown meat is intriguing, there are other disadvantages that need to be considered. It will be interesting to observe how this is received by people and how lab-grown meat production goes as time passes. As we come closer to lab-grown meat becoming a reality in California, it is important to realize the benefits and possible risks of this.

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Supreme Court’s Ruling on Humane Treatment of Pigs Could Catalyze a Wave of New Animal Welfare Laws.

Source: The Conversation (2023, August 2). Supreme Court’s Ruling on Humane Treatment of Pigs Could Catalyze a Wave of New Animal Welfare Laws. Retrieved August 6, 2023, from https://theconversation.com/supreme-courts-ruling-on-humane-treatment-of-pigs-could-catalyze-a-wave-of-new-animal-welfare-laws-205548

The Supreme court’s recent ruling of Proposition 12 regarding the humane treatment of pigs may trigger a wave of new animal welfare laws. The ruling was caused by a case involving a meat processing company who was using inhumane practices on pigs. The Court emphasizes that the law protects the animal’s treatment not only prior to slaughtering, but the act of slaughtering as well. The article suggests that this new law could push lawmakers to enforce stricter animal welfare laws, that not only protect livestock but also pets, lab animals, and animals used for entertainment.

I feel that while Proposition 12’s victory is a win for animal welfare, it highlights a broader realization about our societal behavior. This decision could lead to tighter regulations across the meat supply chain, encouraging a shift towards improved conditions for farm animals. However, the path forward is uncertain, as industry stakeholders may resist altering traditional meat production methods. Despite challenges, this choice appears as a positive way to transform animal treatment in the meat industry, fostering a more compassionate and eco-conscious approach to meat production.