Plant based diets are on the rise with 19.5% of all food and beverage dollars being spent in this category. A Nielsen Homescan Survey found that 39% of consumers are trying to follow a more plant-based diet. The top reasons behind this include wanting a healthier lifestyle, sustainability of food source and protecting the environment.[1] Given the scientific data on climate change it is not surprising that most consumers are making consumption choices based on what they believe will help protect our environment for future generations. But are these informed choices?
According to the EPA, there are two main categories of “greenhouse gas” emissions, natural and anthropogenic (caused by humans). The largest cause of greenhouse gas emissions is water vapor. This contributes 60% to total emissions and is the direct result of the overall warming of the oceans. Carbon dioxide is the next largest contributor at 26%. These emissions result from both plant and animal respiration, oceans, forest fires, organic matter decomposition, volcanic eruptions, fossil fuel use, cement production, and agricultural field plowing. Ozone is present at 8% of greenhouse gas emissions and is a complex phenomenon and will not be delved into. The last two major contributors are nitrous oxide and methane.[2]
On a global scale, agriculture emits between 47 – 58% of anthropogenic emissions from methane and nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is the primary cause of anthropogenic emissions at 38% and comes from farming soil while methane, a close second at 32%, is caused by enteric fermentation of animals. Biomass burning, rice production, and manure management account for the rest. [3]
How do agricultural emissions compare to the rest of anthropogenic emissions?
In conclusion, agricultural emissions contribute to a small percentage of human created greenhouse gasses with both plant and animal culprits. As a global society we certainly need to address our agricultural practices in order to make both plant-based foods and animal based foods more sustainable, however, more eco-friendly transportation and sustainable power might be the places we should focus first.
[1] Nielsen.com. “Plant-based Options are Sprouting Growth for Retailers.” 2016
[2] “Greenhouse gas emissions: animal agriculture in perspective.” Texas A&M Agrilife. 2017
[3] EPA.gov. Agricultural Emissions. 2014
[4] EPA.gov. “Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions.” 2016
