Quotes from Earth.Org, February 22, 2024
Forests are vital for reducing the impact of climate change, as they cover almost a third of the planet. However, they are being lost at an alarming rate, and one of the major factors behind this is the growing need for animal farming.
The Amazon rainforest, one of the most diverse places on Earth, is a stunning example of nature’s richness and beauty. Often called the “Lungs of the Earth,” it covers 3.4 million square miles of South America and produces 20% of the world’s oxygen. Across nine countries – Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and the French Guiana – the Amazon is home to an amazing variety of life, with over 40,000 species of plants, 3,000 species of fish, 1,300 species of birds, 430 species of mammals, and 2.5 million species of insects.
Besides being a haven for diverse plants and animals, the Amazon plays a vital role in fighting climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the air and storing it in plant matter in the ground.
The Link Between Animal Farming and Forest Loss
Beef is a very wasteful food source. It requires over 2,500 gallons of water (9,463 litres), 12 pounds (5,4kg) of grain, 35 pounds (15,8kg) of topsoil and the same amount of energy as one gallon (3,8 litres) of gasoline to make one pound (0,45kg) of feedlot beef. Soy production, which is also one of the main reasons for global deforestation, is linked to beef production – surprisingly, 80% of soy grown worldwide is used to feed animals, leaving only 20% for people to eat. Because of this waste, huge areas of land are needed to grow food for the billions of animals killed each year, many of which were once green forest areas full of life.
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