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.

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.

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.

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.