[Greens-Media] Vegetarians contribute to averting climate change (Sue Pennicuik)

[susan.pennicuik at parliament.vic.gov.au]

Vegetarians contribute to averting climate change

Greens MP, Sue Pennicuik said today that Australians need to be more aware
of the impact of livestock agriculture on greenhouse gas pollution.

The final report of the Garnaut Climate Change Review states that,
‘livestock emissions from enteric fermentation releasing methane play a
large role in the emissions profile of the agriculture sector. About 34 per
cent of the agricultural emissions of OECD countries is due to livestock
emissions. “In Australia it is 66 per cent”*, said Ms Pennicuik.

Australia’s per capita emissions from agriculture are more than six times
the world average, more than four times the OECD average and third highest
in the OECD. The countries with the highest per capita agricultural
emissions are those with the largest numbers of cattle and sheep relative
to population. New Zealand, Ireland and Australia all produce more than 100
kilograms of beef per person per year. The world average is less than 9
kilograms and the OECD average about 22 kilograms. **

New Zealand, Ireland and Australia produce about 132, 18 and 29 kilograms
respectively of sheep meat per person per year, compared with OECD and
world averages of about 2 kilograms and 1 kilogram respectively. ***

“It is important that we all recognise the significant contributions that
beef, sheep and dairy farming make to the global greenhouse gas problem”,
said Ms Pennicuik.

“Discussion of this issue is one of the last great taboos because it
affects people’s personal eating habits as well as the agricultural
economy, but we must confront it if we are serious about climate change,”
she said.

“I have been various versions of a vegetarian for more than half my life –
for ethical and environmental reasons”, she said.

“This weekend, people will be gathering in Melbourne and around Australia
to advocate for the health, ethical and environmental benefits of a
vegetarian diet.”

* ** *** Garnaut Climate Change Review, pp 162 to 165.

Sue Pennicuik
MLC Southern Metropolitan Region
P 03 9530 8399
F 03 9530 8499
206 Bay Street Brighton 3186
www.electedgreensvictoria.org.au

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