What we Put on our Plate Matters: A Call to Action for Australia

The documentary "Eating for Tomorrow" brings to light critical issues surrounding global food systems, particularly focusing on the environmental and health impacts of animal agriculture. While many Australians may feel insulated from these problems, it is naive to think that we are immune. Our reliance on animal agriculture for export and revenue significantly contributes to the challenges highlighted in the documentary.

The Scale of Animal Agriculture in Australia

Animal agriculture, including livestock and fish farming, is a substantial part of Australia's economy. In 2020, the value of Australian livestock exports was estimated at AUD 24 billion, making it a significant contributor to the nation's revenue (Meat & Livestock Australia, 2021). This includes beef, lamb, pork, and dairy products. Fish and seafood exports also play a crucial role, contributing around AUD 1.4 billion annually (Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences, 2020).

In terms of land use, approximately 55% of Australia’s land is used for agriculture, with a significant portion allocated to livestock grazing (National Farmers' Federation, 2020). This extensive land use has far-reaching implications for the environment and biodiversity.

Environmental Impact and Climate Change

The impact of animal agriculture on the environment is profound and multifaceted:

1. Deforestation: Animal agriculture is a leading cause of deforestation. Globally, around 80 million hectares of forests are destroyed annually to provide land for livestock and feed crops. At this rate, it is predicted that only 10% of our forests will remain intact by 2030 (WWF, 2020).

2. Water Scarcity: Australia, one of the driest continents, faces severe water scarcity issues. Livestock farming is water-intensive, and at the current rate, we could run out of water in 30 years. The livestock sector alone uses about 55% of the water consumed in Australian agriculture (CSIRO, 2019).

3. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Livestock farming is responsible for approximately 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions (FAO, 2013). Methane from cattle and other ruminants is a significant contributor, with methane having a global warming potential 28-34 times greater than CO2 over 100 years (IPCC, 2014).

4. Biodiversity Loss: The conversion of forests and other natural habitats into agricultural land leads to significant biodiversity loss. In Australia, habitat loss is the primary threat to 70% of the country's threatened species (Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, 2020).

5. Diet and Climate: Our diet choices are driving us into an environmental abyss. For instance, chicken, despite being a more efficient animal protein, still produces 40 times more emissions and uses 50 times more water than chickpeas (Nijdam, Rood, & Westhoek, 2012). The industrial farming methods used today carry significant risks, having been linked to major global diseases such as SARS, Swine Flu, COVID-19, and Bird Flu (Jones et al., 2013).

Health Risks from Animal Agriculture

The health risks associated with animal agriculture are significant:

1. Chemical Contaminants: The widespread use of antibiotics, pesticides, and other chemicals in livestock and fish farming leads to the ingestion of these substances by consumers. For instance, heavy metals such as mercury and cadmium, often found in fish, are incredibly toxic and can lead to serious health issues, including neurological and developmental problems (EFSA, 2015).

2. Antibiotic Resistance: The overuse of antibiotics in animal farming is leading us towards a post-antibiotic era, as warned by the World Health Organization (WHO). Approximately 75% of all antibiotics produced are fed to livestock daily, contributing to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (WHO, 2017).

3. Modern Illnesses: There is a strong correlation between high meat consumption and the rise in modern illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Processed meats are classified as Group 1 carcinogens by the World Health Organization, indicating a clear link to cancer (WHO, 2015).

Our Food System and the Climate

Our current food system is on the verge of collapse. Worldwide, animal agriculture consumes approximately 70 trillion gallons (265 trillion litres) of water annually. To put this into perspective, producing a McDonald's quarter pounder requires 600 litres of water, equivalent to all your individual showers over two months (Water Footprint Network, 2020). European countries experiencing severe droughts are adapting by changing their production methods. For example, Almeria farms in Southern Spain have implemented huge-scale greenhouses, producing between 2.5 and 3.5 million tons of fruits and vegetables per year, making them a major source of off-season produce for Europe (The Guardian, 2019).

The Evidence is Clear

Modern-day illnesses are overwhelmingly linked to our diet and lifestyle. Studies of Blue Zones, regions with high numbers of centenarians, show that these populations have largely plant-based diets (Buettner, 2010). Oncologists are reporting better outcomes when treating patients with vegan and plant-based diets compared to other, more harmful options (Choi et al., 2020). As highlighted in "Eating for Tomorrow," if we asked our butchers to tell us what they removed from our meat before it was displayed for our purchase, we may just never eat it again!!

Economic and Policy Issues

The disparity in government subsidies highlights the systemic issues within the industry. In the United States, for example, fruit and vegetable farmers receive only $20 million in subsidies annually, while meat and dairy farmers receive $38 billion (Environmental Working Group, 2019). This imbalance not only skews the market but also impacts public health, with the cost to US taxpayers from health-related diseases linked to meat and dairy consumption topping $314 billion annually (Union of Concerned Scientists, 2019).

Taking Action: What Can We Do?

1. Support Sustainable Practices: As individuals, we can support sustainable and ethical farming practices. Opting for locally produced, organic, and plant-based foods can reduce our environmental footprint.

2. Educate and Advocate: Raising awareness about the impact of our dietary choices is crucial. Share information and advocate for policies that promote sustainable agriculture.

3. Reduce Meat Consumption: Even small reductions in meat consumption can have a significant impact. Consider adopting a plant-based diet or participating in initiatives like Meatless Mondays.

4. Support Innovation: Companies like Airgarden, which promote aeroponic growing systems, are part of the solution. These systems use less water and land, reducing the environmental impact of food production.

The issues raised in "Eating for Tomorrow" are not just global concerns but are also relevant to us in Australia. Our reliance on animal agriculture has significant environmental, health, and economic implications. This is not about being a doomsayer or pointing fingers. Knowledge is power, and with information, we can become empowered to do something versus nothing.

What we choose to put on our plate matters.  How we choose to produce our food matters.  These are choices that we as individuals have control over each & everyday. We can't wait for governments & policy & other organisations to make the world a better place for us & to make the required changes, we won't make it.  We can take responsibility for our choices & what we eat everyday for our future our planet & our fellow species. Each and every one of us can make choices for the benefit of our future generations, people, and planet.

From little things, big things can grow. And yes pun intended 🌱🌱🌱