3 ms·
Agriculture production as a major driver of the Earth system exceeding planetary boundaries. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320356605_Agriculture_pro
by myshpa 4y ago
Agriculture production as a major driver of the Earth system exceeding planetary boundaries.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320356605_Agriculture_production_as_a_major_driver_of_the_Earth_system_exceeding_planetary_boundaries https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320356605_Agricultu...
"... the concepts of “planetary boundaries” (PBs) and a “safe operating space for humanity” ... are intended to represent Earth system processes, which,
if crossed, could generate unacceptable environmental change
potentially endangering human existence
The nine PBs currently recognized are the following:
1. Land-system change;
2. Freshwater use;
3. Biogeochemical flows - nitrogen and phosphorous cycles;
4. Biosphere integrity;
5. Climate change;
6. Ocean acidification;
7. Stratospheric ozone depletion;
8. Atmospheric aerosol loading; and
9. Introduction of novel entities.
Of the nine PBs, five are in the high risk or increasing risk zones,
with agriculture the major driver of four of them and a significant
driver of the remaining one. It is also a significant driver
of many of the PBs still in the safe zone.
Reduced meat and dairy consumption is likely to be crucial."
While methane is often cited as the most harmful aspect of animal agriculture, it's only one of many. Let's not forget about increased usage of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and antibiotics, ocean dead zones, as well as the spread of zoonotic diseases. Additionally, animal agriculture can contribute to soil degradation and erosion, damage the water cycle, and lead to droughts and depleted aquifers.
Furthermore, it's essential to recognize that consuming animal products is no longer a necessity but rather a personal choice. This choice not only results in the loss of lives of gentle animals (as only those were chosen for domestication), but it also damages nature and wildlife.
So probably not much.