As more Chinese people migrate toward western-style diets, obesity and other diet-related diseases are on the rise. The Chinese Ministry of Health is looking to be proactive and is now recommending that citizens limit meat, egg and diary intake.
An added bo
nus is that by following the recommended intake cut in China, global greenhouse gas emissions are estimated to reduce by 1.5%.
Growing awareness on this key issue is good news for the planet, since numerous studies have concluded it is animal-based agriculture and consumption–more than fossil fuels and transportation–that is causing the largest share of global greenhouse emissions (15 to 51% depending on what is measured). See What China’s move to cut meat could mean for the planet:
…Our everyday food choices have the power to heal our broken food system, help improve global health, and pave the way for a truly sustainable future. While innovation in plant-protein and even cultured meat is underway (so people can still enjoy their favorite foods), by simply reducing meat consumption, we can begin to lower the impact of our diets. With governments from Sweden, Brazil, the Netherlands, the UK, and now China, all taking action to include “more plants, less meats” recommendations in their dietary guidelines, it is now up to the rest of the world’s leaders [and thinking consumers] to follow suit. The future of our planet and health of our population depends on it.”
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