SAVE THE PLANET: A Campaign to Promote Dietary Change
September 23, 2023
Environment, Project News
Last week, our campaign “SAVE THE PLANET” launched in five cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Tuzla, Mostar, and Zenica.
Since September 13, 2023, you may have seen billboards with the slogan “The climate is changing, so should our eating habits.” Additionally, the campaign has been displayed on screens in 17 buses across these cities.
This initiative is designed to encourage citizens to reflect on their eating habits, which have a direct impact on climate change and the environment.
REASONS FOR LAUNCHING THE CAMPAIGN
In recent years, the demand for meat and animal products has dramatically increased, especially in developing countries. Unfortunately, many people are unaware that this increased consumption not only causes animal suffering but also significantly impacts climate change. Our organization has previously worked on raising awareness about the environmental impact of diets, but we felt it was necessary to organize a specialized campaign focusing solely on this issue.
September is particularly significant as it marks numerous World Days dedicated to environmental preservation. Therefore, we chose this month to launch our campaign, hoping to inspire the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina to reconsider their dietary habits and become active participants in the fight for the planet’s preservation.
THE IMPACT OF LIVESTOCK FARMING ON THE PLANET
Animal agriculture is one of the largest contributors to the ecological problems we face today. This industry significantly contributes to climate change, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. Intensive meat and dairy production consumes vast amounts of drinking water and large land areas while simultaneously polluting air, water, and soil.
According to estimates, the livestock sector is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions globally, contributing significant amounts of methane and other gases that exacerbate climate change. The FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN) reports that livestock is responsible for about 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Methane emissions from livestock are 25 times more potent than CO2 regarding climate impact. This industry contributes to emissions through digestion, manure management, and feed production.
The consequences of increased greenhouse gas emissions are numerous:
- Global warming: Rising average temperatures lead to extreme weather events.
- Climate and weather changes: Increased frequency and intensity of storms, droughts, and floods.
- Rising sea levels: Melting glaciers and polar ice caps cause sea levels to rise, threatening coastal areas.
- Biodiversity loss: Habitat changes and climate conditions endanger many plant and animal species.
- Health issues: Increased air pollution and extreme temperatures can lead to respiratory and other health problems.
- Food insecurity: Changes in climatic conditions affect agriculture, leading to reduced yields and higher food prices.
These consequences highlight the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to protect the planet and ensure a sustainable future.
Globally, nearly 30% of ice-free land is used for raising animals, including feeding them and producing food for livestock. One key statistic suggests that without the consumption of meat and dairy, global agricultural land use could be reduced by over 75%. This area corresponds to the combined territory of the USA, China, the EU, and Australia, while still being able to provide enough food for the world. These figures clearly indicate the need for a change in how we produce and consume food.
Agriculture as a whole uses about 70% of freshwater globally, with livestock being one of the largest consumers. Approximately 27% is attributed to meat and dairy production.
DIETARY CHANGE AS A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM
One of the most significant ways individuals can reduce their impact on climate change is by transitioning to a plant-based diet. Research shows that vegans produce 75% fewer greenhouse gases compared to diets based on animal products. Even small changes in dietary habits can have a huge impact.
For instance, individuals consuming over 100 grams of meat per day contribute to emissions of 10.2 kilograms of CO2, while those who reduce their intake to less than 50 grams cut this emission to about 5.4 kilograms. This clearly demonstrates that even small dietary changes can lead to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Changing eating habits can also have broader social and ecological effects. When people shift to a more plant-based diet, it not only reduces the demand for animal products but can also promote the adoption of more sustainable agricultural practices.
OUR MESSAGE
Through the “SAVE THE PLANET” campaign, we invite citizens to reconsider their eating habits and reflect on the impact they have on our planet. Dietary changes can not only help reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also contribute to the preservation of natural resources and biodiversity.
Together, we can take a step towards a better and more sustainable future. Think about what you eat, reassess your habits, and become part of the solution to save our planet!
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