The
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change proposes a fifty percent decrease in
meat consumption by 2050 in efforts to reduce the emission of nitrogen oxide,
the most potent greenhouse gases of all. Dr. Eric Davidson serves as an
advocator for this proposal being that he studies the great extent to which
nitrogen oxide is hazardous to our environment. Nitrogen oxide is the third
highest contributor to the increase in climate change following carbon dioxide
and methane. Advocacy for the decrease in the amount of nitrogen emissions is
difficult due to the fact that nitrogen is an essential element for food
production. It is most dangerous due to its ability to absorb infrared
radiation. Despite the fact that nitrogen oxide is important to our daily
lives, the main sources of greenhouse gases
that are distributed into our atmosphere come from synthetic nitrogen
fertilizer used for agricultural purposes. Nitrogen is also used in
agricultural procedures used to store livestock manure. As an active advocator
Dr. Davidson suggests that we improve the management of fertilizers and manure
sources in addition to the decrease in meat consumption.
As we
continue to think about ways in which we can make a difference it is always
good to think of the small things that make a large impact. To think that a
small change such as reducing the size of meat consumption could make a large
impact on our environment is mind blowing. The interesting fact to point out
about one of Dr. Davidson’s suggestions is that not only will a decrease in
meat consumption improve our environment it can also help to decrease health
issues around the globe such as obesity and detrimental eating habits.
Woods Hole
Research Center (2012, April 13). How to curb discharge of the most potent
greenhouse gas: 50-percent reduction in meat consumption and emissions. ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 15,
2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2012/04/120413100859.htm
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