Despite this amount contributing to an estimated 2% of climate change, methane stays in the atmosphere for 12 years, much longer than CO2.
Red meat might be one of the worst foods for sustainable living, as animals like cows take up so many resources while releasing methane gas into the atmosphere. Around 26% of emissions in the atmosphere come from food production and livestock farming makes up over 50% of that amount. Despite this amount contributing to an estimated 2% of climate change, methane stays in the atmosphere for 12 years, much longer than CO2. Plants produce a tiny fraction of that gas, making plant-based protein sources the better option for any household that wants to put the Earth first. Even if you don’t cut out meat entirely, you can start by eating less meat overall and introducing some plant-only meal days into your week.