Another documentary has left us with an uncomfortable feeling. Not only did it make us aware of the negative impact of the livestock production to the environment, but also it made us realize how the environmental organizations tolerate it.
We did not know that the major climate change contributor was the livestock, but none of the nonprofit environment organizations acknowledged it. I am not an expert and I wish we could see these organizations responses to be able see their point of view. Unfortunately, none of them made any comment about it. Kip Andersen, the film maker sent many e-mails and made many phone calls to be able to get an appointment to talk and understand why these organizations did not mentioned the Livestock in their website and in their actions. They did not accept to see him or send proper e-mails on the issue.
It was eye opening and shocking for us. Some organizations accepted to see him. However, when they were asked for the first reason that needs to be addressed to prevent climate change, it was not the livestock. It was not even in their list. When they were reminded about the United Nation report, they did not want to make any comment and they said it was not their field.
No one wants to talk and admit, but according to the United Nation report “Rearing cattle produces more greenhouse gases than driving cars.”
Considering the documentary was released in 2014, I have checked some of the popular environmental organizations websites to see if they have any update on their websites. I checked their 2018 annual report, which does not include livestock.
Most of them present themselves to the world as the world’s leading independent, environmental campaigning organization. They do not take money from governments or corporations, but they ask for donations. However, after watching the documentary I am not sure anymore what are their purpose and who they serve?
I highly recommend everyone to watch it. You do not have to be vegan, but you should be aware of this sad truth.
Notes from the Documentary that I found interesting and UN report;
Kip Andersen: Cows and other farmed animals produce a substantial amount of methane from their digestive processes. Methane gas from livestock is 86 times more destructive than CO2 from vehicles.
Kip Andersen: So much attention is given to lowering our home water-use, yet domestic use is only 5% of what is consumed in the U.S. vs. 55% for animal agriculture. That’s because it takes upwards of 2500 gallons water to produce one pound of beef.
Kip Andersen: Raising animals for food is responsible for 30% of the world’s water consumption, occupies about 45% of the Earth’s land, is responsible for up to 91% of Brazilian Amazon destruction, is the leading cause of ocean “dead zones,” habitat destruction, and species extinction
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