Climate action starts with the choices we make at mealtime. Today, as the world participates in the second global climate strike, PETA is highlighting a critical issue: the impact of meat consumption on our planet.
PETA’s new video pairs scenes of passionate climate protests with stark images of animal cruelty, deforestation, and pollution. It draws a clear line between eating meat and the environmental crises we’re facing, like climate change and species extinction. The production of meat, dairy, and eggs significantly contributes to these problems, and PETA urges us all to reconsider our eating habits for the sake of the planet.
“The rainforest is being destroyed to grow animal feed and raise cattle, some of which ends up in Germany. This industry not only harms animals but also wreaks havoc on our environment. A vegan diet can truly help protect it,” says Lisa Kainz, an agricultural scientist at PETA.
It’s a common misconception that rainforests are mainly cleared for vegan products. The reality is that the majority of deforestation is driven by livestock farming and the crops used to feed these animals. In the last year alone, about 12 million hectares of rainforest disappeared—an area equivalent to 30 football fields every minute. Approximately 4 million tons of soy imported into Germany feed livestock, not humans.
Meat, dairy, and eggs are major contributors to climate change, with butter being particularly harmful. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) states that agriculture is responsible for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, a figure that some studies have since updated to around 30%. Shockingly, livestock farming produces more emissions than all forms of global transportation combined.
Long-distance transportation of animals adds another layer of cruelty. Some cattle are slaughtered in Brazil while others are transported live to distant slaughterhouses. PETA’s video exposes the harsh reality: cattle packed into overcrowded trucks, suffering throughout journeys that can last weeks. Many arrive at their destinations too weak to walk and are often handled in brutal ways, facing injuries and even death during transport.
Recent social media trends reflect growing awareness about the environmental consequences of meat consumption. Many people are sharing their journeys toward more sustainable eating, with hashtags like #MeatlessMonday gaining popularity. This shift indicates a rising public interest in plant-based diets as a viable solution to mitigate climate change.
As we engage in climate activism, it’s essential to understand our role in this issue. By being mindful of our food choices, we contribute to a healthier planet for ourselves, animals, and future generations.
For more information about the impact of food choices on the environment, check out this report from the Food and Agriculture Organization.
