A: List the major ideas, concepts or key points- point by point
Our diets specifically in our meat cause more greenhouse gases like CO2, methane, nitrous oxide. Production levels of meat contribute 14 and 22% of 36 billion tons of CO2 equivalent greenhouse gases the world produces every year. Every food we consume incurs hidden environmental costs like transportation, refrigeration and fuel for farming, as well as methane emissions from plants and animals, all lead to a buildup of atmospheric greenhouse gases. Cows emit between 2.5 and 4.7 ounces of methane for each pound of beef they produce. Those emissions are equivalent of releasing between 3.6 and 6.8 of CO2 into the atmosphere for each pound of beef produced. Improve waste management and farming practices would reduce carbon footprint of beef production.
C: Write a reaction paragraph to the article stating your own thoughts on the topic, using specific citations from the article to support your views
After reading this article I learned that meat causes more green house gases. At first I thought the main greenhouse gas source was cars, factories, etc. It was very surprising to learn this new information. Taking such factors into account, producing a pound of beef in a feedlot, CAFO, generates 14.8 pounds of CO2 pound for pound. Methane-capturing systems can put cows waste in generating electricity. Locally produced food can reduce need for transport. Giving careful thought to diet and its consequences for the planet if we want to limit emissions of greenhouse gases, and also cut back on eating beef.
So what?:
Says who?:
What if?... We cut back on beef:
What does this remind me of?: Smoking. Not only can it affect you, but the people around you also.
- Production levels of meat contribute 14 and 22 percent of 36 billion tons of CO2-equivalent greenhouse gases the world produces every year.
- Producing half a pound of hamburger for someone's lunch releases as much greenhouse gas into the atmosphere as driving a 3,000 pound car 10 miles
- Every food we consume incurs hidden environmental costs like transportation, refrigeration and fuel for farming, as well as methane emissions from plants and animals, all lead to a buildup of atmospheric greenhouse gases.
- Cows emit between 2.5 and 4.7 ounces of methane for each pound of beef they produce. Those emissions are equivalent of releasing between 3.6 and 6.8 of CO2 into the atmosphere for each pound of beef produced.
- Raising animals also requires a large amount of feed per unit of body weight.
- Taking such factors into account, producing a pound of beef in a feedlot, CAFO, generates 14.8 pounds of CO2 pound for pound
- Common meats cannot match the impact of beef
- Producing a pound of pork is 3.8 pounds of CO2 and 1.1 pounds of CO2 for chicken
- Solutions: improve waste management and farming practices would reduce carbon footprint of beef production
- Methane-capturing systems can put cows' waste in generating electricity
- Choosing food more wisely: locally produced food can reduce need for transport
- Eat less meat, particularly beef
- Give careful thought to diet and its consequences for the planet if we are serious about limiting emissions of greenhouse gases
Our diets specifically in our meat cause more greenhouse gases like CO2, methane, nitrous oxide. Production levels of meat contribute 14 and 22% of 36 billion tons of CO2 equivalent greenhouse gases the world produces every year. Every food we consume incurs hidden environmental costs like transportation, refrigeration and fuel for farming, as well as methane emissions from plants and animals, all lead to a buildup of atmospheric greenhouse gases. Cows emit between 2.5 and 4.7 ounces of methane for each pound of beef they produce. Those emissions are equivalent of releasing between 3.6 and 6.8 of CO2 into the atmosphere for each pound of beef produced. Improve waste management and farming practices would reduce carbon footprint of beef production.
C: Write a reaction paragraph to the article stating your own thoughts on the topic, using specific citations from the article to support your views
After reading this article I learned that meat causes more green house gases. At first I thought the main greenhouse gas source was cars, factories, etc. It was very surprising to learn this new information. Taking such factors into account, producing a pound of beef in a feedlot, CAFO, generates 14.8 pounds of CO2 pound for pound. Methane-capturing systems can put cows waste in generating electricity. Locally produced food can reduce need for transport. Giving careful thought to diet and its consequences for the planet if we want to limit emissions of greenhouse gases, and also cut back on eating beef.
So what?:
- Our meat causes more green house gas emissions
Says who?:
- Nathan Fiala
- Susan Subak
What if?... We cut back on beef:
- Less production of green house gases
What does this remind me of?: Smoking. Not only can it affect you, but the people around you also.