Langley Advance
Site updated Friday, January 26, 2007 10:23 AM

Environment: Eat healthier, reduce meat

Dear Editor,

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization has issued a report that states cattle in the meat and dairy industries generate more global warming greenhouse gases (methane and nitrous oxide) than can be blamed on transportation and vehicle use combined.

The UN FAO report notes that, while many Canadians are reducing meat in their diet, this is not the trend worldwide. At current rates, global meat production may more than double from 229 million tons between 1999 and 2001, to 465 million tons by 2050, and milk production may increase from 580 million tons to one billion tons.

And with these increases, rates of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, colon cancer, hormone-related breast and prostate cancers, obesity, and diabetes will also increase.

The UN FAO report suggests that, even if people don't become entirely vegetarian, simply by reducing meat and increasing plant-based meals, they will be doing future generations - and their own health - a huge favour.

Sharon Stephenson, Langley