“Climate Change and Veganism — an update”

In case you’re in Denver on Earth Day weekend, I’ll be speaking at the Denver Vegans potluck this Saturday, April 21. The title of my talk is “Climate Change and Veganism — an Update.” The Denver Vegans monthly vegan potluck will be held at the Rocky Mountain Miracle Center, 1939 South Monroe Street in Denver, 6 pm to 8:30 pm. Bring a vegan dish; the presentation will follow the meal. For details and to sign up, visit the Denver Vegans meetup page.

What is livestock’s contribution to climate change? In the recent book EAT FOR THE PLANET, the authors cite two conflicting figures: 14.5% of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock, or 51% from livestock. Wait a minute! These are very different figures — one is over three times greater than the other. What’s going on here? I will explore why these estimates are so divergent, relate climate change to numerous other environmental problems such as mass extinctions and water shortages, and look at alternatives for action in the vegan movement.

7 thoughts on ““Climate Change and Veganism — an update””

  1. Todd Shuman

    I hope you are referencing the recent Reisinger and Clark study, 2017. It puts the number in the 23+% range …

    1. Keith Akers Post author

      Thanks for pointing this out, and yes, I will try to reference this. The abstract is here. It’s interesting that they also say, after saying that livestock was responsible for 23% of the warming in 2010, that “These estimates constitute a lower bound since indirect emissions linked to livestock feed production and supply chains were not included.”

  2. Drew Hensley

    So, Akers, when can we expect another book from you? As if we don’t know one is in the works. And sitting here I’ve had a strange thought: you are “Green Akers.”

  3. Drew Hensley

    PS. I still think you need to address AI. It’s an interesting situation as the automation will increase production – not to mention the drain on resources you have mentioned yourself involved in creating fleets of “roboworkers.” This will all be happening at a time in which we should be downsizing production, and may coincide with ecosocialist reforms intended to reduce growth and provide equitable conditions during increasing unemployment. How does all this work out? I’m going to keep on you until you address this, lol.

    1. Keith Akers Post author

      I’m not sure this is in the version I sent you, but check out chapter 21, “Economic justice, work, and technology.” Automation makes the case for a basic income stronger.

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