Animal agriculture increases chances of climate disasters

Sami Nicholson

Sartell

“Hundreds feared dead in devastating Nepal flood” is the latest headline in what seems to be almost daily reports of severe climate events.

Climate change is increasing the likelihood and severity of many extreme weather events, underscoring the need for much stronger preventive action.

Animal agriculture is a major contributor to climate change, an existential global threat. Cattle emit large quantities of methane, a particularly potent greenhouse gas, while enormous amounts of land are devoted to grazing and growing animal feed.

Reducing consumption of animal products would enable significant reforestation. The increase in carbon-absorbing trees would reduce the current hazardous level of atmospheric carbon dioxide to a much safer level.