2015-02 Meat and Climate Change
Whereas:
- Global populations are rising, and tastes are shifting toward meat-heavy diets;
- Raising more meat requires cultivating more land, increasing deforestation and fertilizer use;
- Methane emissions from livestock, along with increased deforestation and fertilizer use, are expected to cause greenhouse gas emissions from food production to rise by almost 80% by 2050;
- Reducing meat consumption, especially beef, in favor of plant-based diets can help mitigate environmental damage.
Resolved:
- That the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) adopt a policy to encourage Canadians to eat less meat, particularly beef, to combat climate change;
- That NCWC urge the Government of Canada to promote reduced meat consumption through public education on the benefits of plant-based diets and sustainable agriculture practices (e.g., reduced deforestation, fertilizer use, and methane production).
Plain Language Format:
Policy Statement
The National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) adopts a policy encouraging Canadians to eat less meat, particularly beef, to reduce climate change.
Request of Government
NCWC urges the Government of Canada to educate Canadians on the benefits of reducing meat consumption and encourage sustainable agriculture practices that reduce deforestation, fertilizer use, and methane production.
Rationale
Rising global populations and preferences for meat-heavy diets are causing environmental challenges, such as deforestation and increased methane emissions. By reducing meat consumption, particularly beef, Canadians can mitigate climate change impacts.