SEAWEED & COWS – WHATS THE DEAL?
FAO (2006) Poore & Nemecek (2018)
The agriculture industry and Australian government have invested in
ASPARAGOPSIS
an endemic Australian seaweed which has shown to reduce methane production in cattle by up to 80%. This will allow for production increases without impact on the governments international emissions commitments.
SOUNDS GOOD?
UNLESS YOU’RE A COW… OR THE ECOSYSTEM.
Increased production means a greater volume of animal exploitation
Feedlots required to deliver seaweed are a step backwards for animal welfare and further detach farmed animals from the natural environment.
Increased scales of production also ignore other issues linked to raising livestock
- EUTROPHICATION
- LAND USE
- DEFORESTATION
- ECOLOGICAL CAPACITY
- BIOLOGICAL IMBALANCE
Ritchie (2022) McGregor & Houston (2018)
THE ASPARAGOPSIS ‘SOLUTION’ IS NOT HOLISTIC
Our concern for climate impact is ignoring the wider ecosystem impact of intensive animal farming.
Contemporary sustainability dialog and traditional indigenous knowledge both recognise the interconnectivity of humans, planet and other living beings.
Socially we are acknowledge the innate value of the environment but leave farmed animals out of the equation. Their innate value as fellow animals sharing a sentient life experience should not be ignored in pursuit of solving food system implications.
Kwaymullina & Kwaymullina (2014) Davidson (2015)
A FOOD SYSTEM WITHOUT LIVESTOCK IS POSSIBLE
We can alleviate emissions, reduce environmental impact and avoid unnecessary suffering with dietary change.
EXTENSIVE RESEARCH SUGGESTS DIETARY CHANGE IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPACTFUL COURSE OF ACTION TO HEAL OUR PLANET.
What can you do as an individual?