If 20{85424e366b324f7465dc80d56c21055464082cc00b76c51558805a981c8fcd63} of wealthy countries went vegan and cut food waste, we could be looking at carbon absorption by 2050 as opposed to global warming.
In a new study published in the journal Nature Climate Change, if just one in five of us in richer countries went vegan and disposed one third less food, we could be looking at carbon absorption by 2050 as opposed to global warming. This new piece of research suggests that through a range of sweeping measures, primarily in the more developed areas of the world, we have a real chance to combat, and even reverse, the planet’s climate emergency.
A collaborative scientific project between researchers across the United States and Europe has found that we could fight global heating by 2050 if we implement tough but feasible measures, especially in richer countries. These include richer countries adopting a plant-based diet and cutting down food waste. Other important actions include assisting developing countries with ending deforestation and boosting land restoration efforts, such as tree-planting projects, as well as improving farming and land management practices to boost soil fertility. If these recommendations were to be followed, we would be looking at an agricultural system that absorbs rather than emits carbon dioxide by 2050.
Lead author of the paper Stephanie Roe of the University of Virginia told the Guardian that these results show that we have a “window of opportunity to deliver on the Paris Agreement…I remain optimistic because we have all the tools we need, as well as the increasing public pressure and political will to turn things around.”
Adopting these climate-friendly policies would lead to a whole host of positive cascading effects that go beyond environmental protection. Not only would it encourage healthier diets to fight poor nutrition and the obesity epidemic, it would further improve the livelihoods in poorer communities, help stop biodiversity loss and fight water and air pollution.
Given that Asia-Pacific – and developing nations in particular, are set to bear the brunt of the crisis’ impact, it’s inarguable that richer cities, urban areas and countries have a responsibility to implement comprehensive carbon fighting measures as soon as possible.
Original source: www.greenqueen.com.hk