The Impact of Meat Production on Our Air Quality

Key Takeaways:

• The production of meat, particularly beef, has a substantial impact on air quality, contributing to fine-particle pollution and thus resulting in nearly 16,000 annual deaths in the United States.
• While plant cultivation also contributes to pollution, the level of pollutants is dwarfed compared to the level from animal products. For example, per serving, the pollution from red meat is seven times that of poultry and fifteen times that of plant-based foods.
• Switching to plant-based alternatives can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the need for croplands and nitrogen fertilizers without compromising the necessary nutrient intake.
• Moderate dietary changes could make a considerable difference. Studies suggest the adoption of “flexitarian” diets, largely plant-based diets with moderate animal product consumption, could help prevent pollution-related deaths.
• There’s no credible evidence suggesting the necessity of animal protein for maintaining health, while there is sturdy support for the health benefits of plant-based diets.

A fresh look into the consequences of meat production suggests a grim reality – the food we consume directly affects our environment, contributing to air pollution that reportedly claims nearly 16,000 lives each year in the United States. Astonishingly, animal products, particularly beef, are responsible for 80% of these fatalities.

The Connection Between Food and Health

Pioneering researcher in the domain of bioproducts and biosystems engineering, Professor Jason Hill, emphasises how our dietary choices not only impact our personal health but also influence the well-being of our society.

The method by which food – particularly livestock – is cultivated generates abundant pollutants. A major concern raised in Professor Hill’s study is the role of farming in fine-particle pollution. These microscopic substances that float in our airspace are easily inhaled, resulting in potentially fatal consequences for individuals with pre-existing heart or lung concerns.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states around 7 million deaths occur globally each year due to exposure to polluted air.

The Environmental Costs of Farming

In farming, activities such as field cultivation, crop fertilisation, manure spreading, and storage all contribute to fine-particle pollution.

Although plant cultivation does create some pollution, the level is nowhere near the amount generated by animal products. Livestock waste and the crops used for their feed are the main contributors.

Numerous resources are used, and consequently, significant pollution is produced in cattle rearing, causing extensive environmental impact. The study reveals that air pollution caused by the production of red meat results in greater harm than any other food product. Compared per serving, its detrimental effect was seven times that of poultry, ten times that of nuts and seeds, and at least fifteen times that of other plant-based foods. 

“Decreasing our red meat consumption alone could make a considerable difference,” says Hill.

Plant-based Alternatives

Research Professor Gidon Eshel, who was not involved in the study, agrees with Hill’s assessment. Eshel has found that by switching to plant-based alternatives, it’s possible to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as the need for croplands and nitrogen fertilizers. Eshel’s 2019 study showed that with plant-based sources like soy and buckwheat delivering necessary proteins, there would be no compromise on nutrients either.

However, Eshel conceives that a nationwide shift toward veganism is implausible. Nevertheless, he posits that a significant step would be for individuals to replace beef with healthier plant-based foods.

While absolute veganism or vegetarianism would primarily combat the observed pollution-related deaths, even moderate dietary changes could make a significant difference. The study suggests the adoption of “flexitarian” diets, largely plant-based diets with moderate animal product consumption, could also prevent a sizeable number of deaths.

Red Meat and Its Environmental Impact

You don’t have to become a strict vegan or vegetarian to make a difference. Implementing measures such as “meatless Mondays” or reducing the intake of red meat could have a profound effect, given its significant role in pollution.

Is there a health risk associated with cutting out animal protein? According to Eshel, there’s “no credible evidence” suggesting a reliance on animal protein for maintaining health. In contrast, there is sturdy support upholding the health benefits of plant-based diets.

Potential Solutions and Their Impact

While amendments to farming practices, like improving fertilizer application, could prevent some deaths, changing dietary habits would offer more significant benefits. An important revelation of the study is that most of the pollution-related deaths could be avoided if a more environmentally friendly diet was widely adopted.

For further guidance and information on developing a healthy vegetarian diet, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics provides valuable resources.