Tell USDA: Less Meat, Not “Climate Vaccines” for Cows

Scientists are trying to vaccinate cows so they pollute less. But we can't invent our way around the simple truth: producing and eating less meat is one of the most effective climate solutions we have.

Livestock production is a major driver of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, habitat destruction, and water pollution. Yet instead of helping Americans eat less meat, researchers are working on so-called “climate vaccines” for cows and other animals—and policymakers are embracing technological workarounds instead of addressing the root cause of the problem.

That's the wrong approach.

If the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is serious about protecting America's future, it should be helping people shift toward healthier, more plant-based diets—not looking for ways to make methane-intensive meat production slightly less polluting while encouraging us to eat more meat.

The climate solution is staring us in the face. Eating less meat is one of the most effective ways to reduce food-related emissions. USDA should be investing in plant-based foods, helping farmers diversify beyond livestock production, improving school meals, and educating consumers about the climate impacts of their food choices.

Instead, the Trump administration's dietary guidance places greater emphasis on meat consumption at a time when scientists are warning that reducing demand for meat is critical to addressing climate change. Encouraging Americans to eat more meat while searching for ways to reduce cattle emissions is like pressing harder on the accelerator while claiming you're trying to slow down.

Americans deserve food policies based on climate science, not politics. USDA should stop promoting increased meat consumption and start helping build a food system that protects our climate, our health, and future generations.

Please sign the petition to tell the USDA: focus on real world solutions that we know work and not gimmicks to give cows and other animals “climate vaccines.”

The petition to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins reads: Instead of promoting gimmicks like “climate vaccines” for animals, the USDA should encourage a transition toward healthier, more plant-based diets. We urge USDA to align its nutrition guidance and agricultural policies with climate science by supporting plant-based foods, helping farmers diversify production, and educating Americans about the environmental impacts of excessive meat consumption. Our climate crisis demands real solutions—not technological fixes designed to preserve the status quo.
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Source: 

https://www.galvnews.com/health/free/vaccinating-cows-against-climate-change/article_d0ab7db8-2c16-46ae-ae73-63b7fcd34445.html