can vegetariansim help with Climate Change?

[monica]

I for a while have been following Sir Paul McCartney's mission to introduce vegetarianism one day a week, to help reduce methane contribution from Livestock. I know there are a mixture of meateaters and veggies on the forum, so I would like your opinions on the subject. I look forward to a wide scope of opinions.

(I know it was also on the one show tonight which pushed me into posting this):))

[RosieH]

Well I don't know all the ins and outs, but would question the merits of vegetarianism as opposed to veganism one day a week, because surely dairy herds are as methaneful/ wasteful of resources as meat herds? Actually, entirely possibly not - would be interested if anyone knows the answer...

[Mick Mac]

Well, I'm not sure about this theory, if Christmas sprout emissions are anything to go by?

[HonaloochieB]

I think Paul's logic is faulty on this, surely a day without the slaughter of animals just gives more time for them to release methane.

[SteveT]

Yes! Eating vegans reduces climate change.

[HAL9000]

There is no doubt that, pound for pound, meat protein production puts far more stress on the environment than plant protein production.

According to a consensus of articles Googled just now, green house gas production would fall if less meat were produced and people ate the grains now used to feed those animals.

[RosieH]

HAL, do you know what the deal is with dairy? Assume dairy cattle eat equivalent grain..?

[HAL9000]

Dairy cows are quite happy to eat grasses, hay, silage and other foliage plants but, on modern farms, their diet is supplemented with some grain to maximise milk yields.

[Brendan]

What if I just eat venison, rabbit and pheasant instead of intensively farmed animals?

[DirtyBox]

If we stopped trying to save Pandas and other useless animals that are too stupid to keep themselves alive then that would help...it's all the WWF's fault

[Brendan]

I think that?s the first time I?ve come across someone applying neoconservative political thought to the topic of nature conservation.

[monica]

Brendan I think if everyone did the same thing as you then the venison, rabbit and pheasant may end up intesively farmed.

Dirtybox are you joking?

[Brendan]

What if I only eat squirrels, pitbulls and parakeets hunted from our local parks?

[monica]

Brendan enjoy the hunt, this must be your caveman coming out >:D