As outlined in the recent report by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) we are heading towards an environmental breakdown if we don't drastically cut our greenhouse gas emissions. Keeping global temperature rise under 2C from pre-industrial levels is critical in avoiding widespread flooding, extreme droughts and the eradication of coral reefs. 

The irresponsible production of animal products is the main environmental culprit in the food world. Animal agriculture produces 18% of greenhouse gas emissions, more than the entire transportation industry. It is the leading driver of ocean dead zones and deforestation. The destruction caused by clearing forests and converting land to grow feed crops and for animal grazing are removing huge carbon sinks and turning them into sources, as well as destroying habitat for thousands of species. The widespread use of pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilisers used in the production of feed crops often interferes with the reproductive systems of animals and poisons waterways which make their way into the ocean, creating dead zones. Its vast use of freshwater is also contributing to water shortages worldwide. The overexploitation of wild species through commercial fishing as well as animal agriculture’s impact on habitat destruction and climate change, all contribute to a huge global depletion of species and resources.

Other foods are less environmentally damaging, a recent UN report published in the journal Nature suggests that the average world citizen needs to eat 75% less beef, 90% less pork and half the number of eggs, while tripling consumption of beans and pulses and quadrupling nuts and seeds. This would halve the emissions from livestock.

What I suggest is mandatory environmental labels on all food items. It worked incredibly well with washing machines, fridges and televisions. Thanks to a 1992 EU directive all appliances must be labelled with their energy efficiency. This saw appliances move from ratings of G to D (low efficiency) to today where 98% are classed A++ or A+++. 

These labels would support consumer choice as well as holding suppliers to account for the environmental impact of what they produce, meaning cutting emissions would be of higher priority. If you agree with these changes please sign and share this petition, many thanks.