Convincing evidence of the relative sustainability of cattle was recently published by the Wall Street Journal as an advertisement.

If all U.S. livestock were eliminated and evert American followed a vegan diet, greenhouse gas emission would only be reduced by 2%, or 0,36% globally.

Beefs environmental footprint may drive headlines, but the truth is, eliminating beef is not a realistic or impactful solution for climate change.

Per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), beef cattle are responsible for only 2% of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. By contrast, transportation is responsible for about 30%.

While the U.S. already produces the most sustainable beef in the world through decades of innovation, cattle farmers and ranchers are committed to producing high-quality, sustainable beef for generations to come. In fact, between 1961 and 2018, the U.S. beef industry reduced emissions per pound of beef by more than 40%.

Plus, cattle play an important role in protecting and enhancing our ecosystems by increasing carbon storage, improving soil health, mitigating wildfires, and providing habitat for wildlife.

We all play a role in a more sustainable future, but eliminating beef is not the answer.

Source: USMEF