ABSTRACT
One of the major causes for concern is the rapid growth in the production and consumption of foods of animal origin. The growth in livestock farming has damaging consequences for biological diversity, for water extraction and use, for soil and air pollution and for climate change. The climate is changing and most of the change is caused by human activity. Compounding the problem is poverty. Emissions arise at all stages in the food production cycle, from the farming process itself through manufacture, distribution and retailing, to the storing and cooking of food in the home or catering outlet. While the production and consumption of all foods contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, it is increasingly recognized that livestock's contribution to the food total is particularly significant. While livestock production contributes significantly to food-related GHG emissions, to conclude that a vegan agricultural and food system would be preferable is far too simplistic.
