US Meat Sales Hit Record Highs Despite Climate and Health Concerns
Meat sales in the USA reached record highs last year, despite growing concerns about its environmental and health impacts. This trend is largely driven by the influential livestock lobby and underreported in mainstream media.
A study found that livestock farming is the leading cause of climate change, responsible for up to a fifth of all greenhouse gas emissions globally. Despite this, only 4% of the Wall Street Journal's climate articles mentioned animal agriculture, and none provided context for its impact. Per capita demand for animal proteins is projected to grow by 6% over the next decade.
Over 200 leading climate experts urge livestock emissions to peak this year and be cut in half by 2030. However, less than 4% of US climate change articles mention and contextualize the role of meat in climate change. Among 11 major US outlets, only the New York Post had a significant share (14%) of stories discussing the environmental impact of animal agriculture. The lack of comprehensive coverage may be attributed to public distrust in mainstream media and pressure from the Trump administration on FCC to focus on political balance rather than in-depth environmental reporting.
The USA's high meat consumption and sales, despite its environmental and health impacts, highlight the need for increased awareness and balanced reporting on the role of livestock farming in climate change. Experts call for urgent action to reduce emissions, but media coverage remains limited, indicating a gap in public understanding and potential policy action.
Read also:
- Medical professional advocates for increased action to address deficiency of primary care physicians
- Open Windows in Winter: Boost Health, Save Energy
- Treating hypertension can potentially add a decade to a person's life span.
- Mau Forest Women Preservers: Maintainers of Food Independence and Protectors of Sovereignty
