#factoryfarms

Although the animals directly victimized by animal agriculture are the ones being slaughtered and used for their bodies and products, the humans that live in areas around factory farms also suffer because of the poor environmental effects they have. Livestock in the U.S. produce approximately 500 million tons of fecal waste and urine every year which is way much more waste than factory farms could ever redistribute as fertilizer, so the majority of waste is left to sit and fester in massive, open-air lagoons adjacent to the farms. When these cesspools of feces and urine get full, factory farms will frequently avoid water pollution limits by spraying liquid manure into the air, which creates mists of pollutants carried away by the wind. This comes at a low cost to the industry, but a high one to the environment and local residents. Living with the putrid smell and harmful gases released by factory farm waste can ruin the health of a person and quality of life. Mental health deterioration and increased sensitization to smells can occur in people who live near factory farms according to studies. Unfortunately, many communities located near factory farms fall below the poverty level so the families living there do not have the option to relocate to a place with cleaner air, and instead fall victim to the pollutants.

A dangerous problem that comes along with storing excrement in massive lagoons is that the waste breaks down and forms ammonia gas which is released into the atmosphere. This then breeds bacteria, which combines with other pollutants in the air to form later dangerous nitric acid. When nitric acid builds up in the atmosphere, it then returns to the surface of the earth as acid rain, which harms soil, forest habitats, and water ecosystems. People also tend to suffer from respiratory irritation, bronchitis, lung inflammation, dust toxic syndrome, asthma, and even cardiac arrest if the pollution from local factory farms is bad enough. Ammonia emissions from waste pools can cause a variety of harmful health effects including dizziness, eye irritation, respiratory illness, and nausea. Releases of dangerous levels of hydrogen sulfide, another dangerous gas released from factory farmed animals, can cause sore throats, seizures, comas, and even death in rare cases. Asthma can also be a real concern, especially for younger children living near these farms. Children raised in communities near factory farms are more likely to develop asthma or bronchitis than children who are not directly impacted by the pollution in the air and water surrounding factory farms. Sadly, the unsanitary conditions on factory farms, poor quality of animal feed, and overuse of antibiotics in livestock have resulted in diseases including swine and avian flu that are spread by air and difficult to manage. Factory farms not only torment and kill millions of animals each year, they impact the health of the people living near them.

Source: http://www.onegreenplanet.org/environment/facts-about-animal-agriculture-and-air-pollution/

Photo: http://www.urbangreengirl.com/2010/11/02/10-reasons-why-youre-not-green/

Introduction:

When most people think of climate change, they often picture exhaust-belching cars or smokestacks emitting plumes of pollution. While these sources undoubtedly contribute to the problem, there is another culprit with an even more significant impact on our planet: animal agriculture. Responsible for a tremendous carbon footprint, the livestock industry plays a substantial role in exacerbating climate change. In this blog post, we will explore the environmental consequences of animal agriculture's carbon emissions and discuss sustainable alternatives to mitigate its impact.

The Link between Animal Agriculture and Carbon Emissions

Unveiling the workings of greenhouse gas emissions in animal agriculture:

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) emitted during enteric fermentation and manure management, is a major contributor to animal agriculture's carbon footprint. Cows, for instance, release considerable amounts of methane through their digestive processes. Additionally, nitrous oxide emissions from manure management and synthetic fertilizers further exacerbate the problem. Moreover, the indirect carbon emissions associated with deforestation for pastureland and feed production must not be overlooked.

Statistical evidence illustrating the scale of animal agriculture's carbon footprint:

To comprehend the magnitude of the issue, it is imperative to examine the numbers. Globally, livestock production is estimated to generate nearly 15% of all human-induced GHG emissions. That surpasses the emissions from the entire transportation sector, including cars, trucks, ships, and airplanes. Furthermore, animal agriculture is responsible for approximately 80% of all deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, leading to a loss of biodiversity and further increasing carbon emissions.

Environmental Consequences of Animal Agriculture's Carbon Footprint

Impact on climate change:

The staggering emissions from animal agriculture greatly contribute to the greenhouse effect and subsequent global warming. As a result, we are witnessing severe weather patterns, melting glaciers, and rising sea levels. The emissions create a vicious feedback loop, exacerbating climate change and its impacts on ecosystems and communities worldwide.

Deforestation and loss of biodiversity:

Animal agriculture drives deforestation on a massive scale. Immense areas of valuable rainforests are cleared to create pastureland for livestock or grow feed crops like soybeans and corn. This destruction of natural habitats leads to the loss of countless plant and animal species, disrupts the delicate balance of ecosystems, and releases stored carbon into the atmosphere.

Water scarcity and pollution:

Animal agriculture accounts for a considerable portion of global freshwater consumption. Water is needed to irrigate crops for animal feed and provide drinking water for livestock. Consequently, it contributes to water scarcity in many regions. Furthermore, the intense use of fertilizers and the improper management of animal waste leads to water pollution, as runoff carries excess nutrients and pathogens into rivers and oceans.

Sustainable Alternatives to Mitigate Animal Agriculture's Carbon Footprint

Plant-based diets and their environmental benefits:

One of the most effective actions individuals can take to reduce animal agriculture's carbon footprint is to adopt plant-based diets. By choosing plant-based alternatives over meat and dairy, we can reduce the demand for livestock feed crops, decrease deforestation rates, and mitigate emissions associated with animal agriculture. Plant-based diets not only have numerous environmental benefits but also promote personal health and animal welfare.

Technological advancements and innovative solutions:

The emergence of technological advancements offers hope for a more sustainable future. Clean meat, also known as lab-grown or cultured meat, aims to produce real meat without the need for traditional animal farming. This method requires significantly fewer resources, reduces methane emissions, and eliminates the need for deforestation. Additionally, sustainable farming practices, such as regenerative agriculture and improved waste management, can help mitigate the carbon footprint of animal agriculture.

Policy changes and industry transition:

While individual actions are crucial, systemic change is necessary to address the environmental impact of animal agriculture. Governments must implement policies that incentivize sustainable farming methods, support research in alternative protein sources, and promote the consumption of plant-based products. Additionally, consumer awareness and demand for eco-friendly products can exert pressure on the industry, encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices at a larger scale.

Conclusion: