Study animal husbandry as a culprit of global warming calling for tax increases

World leaders gathered in Paris one week prior to agree on a global climate agreement, United Kingdom think tank Chatham House a new report shows that, if the world can adopt a more healthy diet, will help reduce the existing cuts needed to avoid dangerous climate change and emissions reduction gap between.

The United Nations Framework Convention on climate change, the 21st meeting of the parties (Paris Conference) will be held from November 30 to December 11 in Paris, participating country's commitment to ensure that by 2100 global temperatures about 3 ° c, many Governments still needs to be done. A change of diet, healthy levels of meat consumption, can contribute to temperature rise under 2 ° c of "danger level" required within the remaining CERs one-fourth, and this level is a major goal of the climate negotiations.

Chatham House report on climate change, changes in eating habits: pointed out the ways of reducing meat consumption, changes in diet will eventually achieve the 2 ° c target plays an important role. Livestock emissions have 15% per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, and global transportation emissions. Unless the stop the growth to strong demand for meat or livestock emissions of greenhouse gases will continue to rise, reaching a level to avoid dangerous climate change.

Adjustment of dietary structure also brings important health benefits. Global meat consumption per capita has exceeded healthy levels and still rising. China's meat consumption was lower than in the West, but the daily per capita consumption is still 1.5 times times the recommended level. Recent studies have shown that the World Health Organization, excessive intake of red and processed meat, and the incidence of non-communicable diseases such as cancer are closely associated.

"Reducing meat consumption is a win-win situation of health and the environment," the authors of the report LaOla·weiersili (Laura Wellesley). "Governments are looking for fast and low-cost strategy of reduced emissions gap Paris, adjustment of dietary structure should be the programme focus. "

But the report found that Governments for this opportunity, "blindness". Paris Conference to submit national emission reduction programmes without a mention of reducing meat consumption. Governments worry that public opposition, chose not to intervene citizen's life. Four in one from a Standing Committee of the Party

However, reports of studies in 12 countries--including public research as well as in Brazil, China and the United Kingdom and the United States conducted focus group research--showed that the Government's fears are exaggerated. Once the public understands the link between meat consumption and climate change, consumers will understand the need for government action. As the public began to understand reasons behind the Government interventions, carbon taxes and other measures to raise the price of meat boycotts will be reduced.

Report recommends that action be taken to raise public awareness for the excessive consumption of meat in climate awareness and health effects, in order to seek support for Government actions. Governments should adopt a comprehensive strategy to change people's diet structure, using a combination of logos, public procurement, supervision and pricing policies.

"Raise for meat in the health effects and environmental awareness is an important first step, but it will not in itself bring about significant changes in behavior. Government must be more, to influence diet, "Wellesley added.