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Meat is a leading emissions source – but few outlets report on it, analysis finds
(www.theguardian.com)
Discussion of climate, how it is changing, activism around that, the politics, and the energy systems change we need in order to stabilize things.
As a starting point, the burning of fossil fuels, and to a lesser extent deforestation and release of methane are responsible for the warming in recent decades:
How much each change to the atmosphere has warmed the world:
Recommended actions to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the near future:
Anti-science, inactivism, and unsupported conspiracy theories are not ok here.
A luxury is something pleasant or enjoyable but not strictly necessary. It's not a matter of how much more enjoyable it is but just that it can be functionally replaced (Lambo -> Toyota Corolla; Designer bag -> any other bag; Meat -> Plant proteins). Unless there's some rare medical condition that prevents eating anything but animal proteins, we have the means to replace it (as a massive commercial industry at the very least).
WRT alternative diets it really depends on what you replace it with. I believe there are technically some entirely vegan diets without supplements but if you're buying your meat from the store you could just as easily buy supplements from the same place and not worry about it.
I went meatless recently and even as an unabashed meat lover it really wasn't that bad. Vegan/vegetarian meat substitutes have advanced a ton in the past few years when I do get the craving, but I don't notice a day-to-day difference. The main annoyances have been limited restaurant menus and rebuilding my recipe catalog.
I see, so your definition of luxury good is "something that can be functionally replaced." I was thinking of the economic definition.
I don't think meat to be functionally replaceable with plant proteins. Heme-iron alone makes it very difficult to do, since iron from plants is far less bioavailable. What does a vegan diet do for Vitamin B12? Conspicuous consumption is not necessary for survival, but B12 very much is.
Changes from nutrition can take a long time to become manifest. I wish you longevity and good health.
IIRC there is exactly one variety of lentil that can supply B12, but otherwise it's mass produced via bacteria fermentation. At a certain age, most doctors recommend a daily vitamin supplement anyway so it's really a matter checking a few labels before you pick one to make sure your multivitamin matches your meatless diet.
I appreciate the well wishes, my doctor is already much happier with my visits 😂
Vegans often supplement harder to obtain nutrients, B12 and bioavailable Iron is very cheap and easily obtained, so it's usually not an issue.