Spring Break
Food and climate change: an invisible problem
Issue date: 10/2/08
They are emitted through manure, fertilizers and enteric fermentation - the process through which bacteria break down plants in cows' stomachs, producing methane as a byproduct of digestion.
Carbon dioxide contributes to the total emission of greenhouse gases as well, through transportation and manufacturing.
Neff saw the discrepancy between the magnitude of the emissions and public perceptions as a chance to figure out how to better communicate with the public.
"I wanted to see the extent to which this and other related messages about food impacts on climate change were getting out to the public," Neff explained.
"We wanted to know both how much the public was hearing and to learn about what they were hearing.?Learning this information can help shape more effective messages in the future."
But these messages aren't going to send themselves, which is where government and business can help.
"Major changes are needed and are relatively unlikely without significant public buy-in," Neff said.
"We can't expect buy-in or behavior change without basic awareness of the problem, as well as communication about possible ways to address it."
It also important to note, however, that the government and businesses have the potential to mislead consumers.
"As we move into the next phase, as communications about food contributions to climate change do increase, it will be important to ensure that accurate messages are getting out," Neff said.?
"There is a history of other industries promoting messages that serve their purposes but that are either inaccurate, serve to promote doubt or confusion or that prioritize actions in ways that experts would not agree with."
So be wary of inaccurate messages, and don't underestimate the power of the individual. There are some things you can do to reduce the negative impact of your interactions with the food system and benefit yourself at the same time.
"The number one action we can take to reduce food greenhouse gas emissions is cutting back on red meat.?This has important nutritional benefits, as excess red meat consumption is associated with a host of negative health impacts," Neff said.
Don't worry, carnivores, you have a few other options in case you're still salivating at the sight of your steak. You can avoid highly processed and packaged foods, eat less dairy, eat seasonal foods, try to eat foods that are locally and sustainably produced and eat less in general.
More specifically, check out our local farmer's markets, like Waverly Farmer's Market and Mill Valley Garden and Farmer's Market, to get your hands on some seasonal and local foods that are healthy and delicious.
And of course, spread the word.
"Coverage of food and agriculture's contributions to climate change has been low in the U.S., meaning there is tremendous opportunity to amplify the messages and to mobilize individuals, business, and government for change," Neff said.
Carbon dioxide contributes to the total emission of greenhouse gases as well, through transportation and manufacturing.
Neff saw the discrepancy between the magnitude of the emissions and public perceptions as a chance to figure out how to better communicate with the public.
"I wanted to see the extent to which this and other related messages about food impacts on climate change were getting out to the public," Neff explained.
"We wanted to know both how much the public was hearing and to learn about what they were hearing.?Learning this information can help shape more effective messages in the future."
But these messages aren't going to send themselves, which is where government and business can help.
"Major changes are needed and are relatively unlikely without significant public buy-in," Neff said.
"We can't expect buy-in or behavior change without basic awareness of the problem, as well as communication about possible ways to address it."
It also important to note, however, that the government and businesses have the potential to mislead consumers.
"As we move into the next phase, as communications about food contributions to climate change do increase, it will be important to ensure that accurate messages are getting out," Neff said.?
"There is a history of other industries promoting messages that serve their purposes but that are either inaccurate, serve to promote doubt or confusion or that prioritize actions in ways that experts would not agree with."
So be wary of inaccurate messages, and don't underestimate the power of the individual. There are some things you can do to reduce the negative impact of your interactions with the food system and benefit yourself at the same time.
"The number one action we can take to reduce food greenhouse gas emissions is cutting back on red meat.?This has important nutritional benefits, as excess red meat consumption is associated with a host of negative health impacts," Neff said.
Don't worry, carnivores, you have a few other options in case you're still salivating at the sight of your steak. You can avoid highly processed and packaged foods, eat less dairy, eat seasonal foods, try to eat foods that are locally and sustainably produced and eat less in general.
More specifically, check out our local farmer's markets, like Waverly Farmer's Market and Mill Valley Garden and Farmer's Market, to get your hands on some seasonal and local foods that are healthy and delicious.
And of course, spread the word.
"Coverage of food and agriculture's contributions to climate change has been low in the U.S., meaning there is tremendous opportunity to amplify the messages and to mobilize individuals, business, and government for change," Neff said.
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