Sasha Gladkikh
4/27/2025 4:44 PM
People in wealthier countries tend to consume more meat because they have greater access to it and can more easily afford the higher costs associated with its production. In many cultures, meat is not only a dietary staple but also a marker of status and prosperity. Advances in industrial farming have further normalized high levels of meat consumption by making it more widely available and relatively affordable in richer nations. In contrast, many lower-income countries rely more heavily on plant-based diets, often out of necessity, as meat remains prohibitively expensive and less accessible.
The environmental consequences of this dietary pattern are profound. Livestock production alone accounts for an estimated 12% to 19.6% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it one of the leading contributors to climate change. Furthermore, it drives widespread deforestation, with approximately 75% of tropical deforestation linked to agricultural expansion, much of it to grow animal feed or create grazing land for livestock. When forests are cleared, the carbon dioxide once stored in trees is released back into the atmosphere, further accelerating global warming and contributing to biodiversity loss.
Reflecting on these impacts makes it clear that the way we produce and consume meat today is environmentally unsustainable. It prompts me to critically examine not only my own food choices but also the broader systems that shape them. Recognizing the profound influence of our dietary habits on the planet’s future reminds me that small individual actions, when collectively embraced, can drive meaningful environmental change.
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Emily Hanna 5/06/2025 7:12 PMHi Sasha!
Your analysis does a great job connecting diet, privilege, and environmental influence. I agree that in richer countries, the consumption of meat has been standardized, while poorer nations have more vegetarians shaped by circumstance. The environmental toll, specifically through emissions and forest loss, is significant and explains how far food is from sustainable right now. I appreciate your emphasis on individual action. Even small choices, like eating less meat or supporting sustainable producers, can help when taken in large numbers. It's an important reminder that what we eat not only affects our health but also the planet. Thank you so much for sharing. -
CHARLOTTE GAYNER 4/29/2025 10:26 PMHi Sasha! I like the note you made about small individual actions. We often view action as an all or nothing ordeal, making environmentally conscious choices seem harder to obtain. Choices as small as eating vegetarian once or twice a week make a huge impact!
