The hidden cost of meat: Why it can never be sustainable

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. As we face climate change, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation, it’s crucial to examine industries that contribute most to these issues. One of the most significant – and often overlooked – is the meat industry. While many focus on the ethical side of consuming animals, the environmental impact is just as alarming. Can a system that requires so much and gives back so little ever be sustainable?

A life lost can’t be sustainable

At the heart of sustainability is the principle of preserving resources for future generations. Yet, an industry that relies on taking lives for consumption cannot be sustainable. If something has to die for our pleasure, how can that choice ever be sustainable? The process of breeding, raising, and slaughtering animals demands immense resources, all for fleeting gratification. True sustainability means minimising harm, not building an entire system around it.

The environmental toll

Pexels/Justus Menke

Meat production has a severe environmental impact, contributing to deforestation, soil degradation, and high carbon emissions that drive climate change. The industry consumes vast resources while offering little in return, making it incompatible with the goals of sustainability.

Meat’s water problem

One of the most concerning aspects of meat production is its water usage. Producing just one kilogram of beef requires approximately 15,000 litres of water. This includes water for growing feed, hydration for animals, and processing meat. In comparison, plant-based foods use significantly less water. As water scarcity becomes a pressing global issue, using such vast amounts of a critical resource for meat production is unsustainable and irresponsible.

Read more Kew’s Carbon Garden: The stunning exhibit revealing nature’s climate secrets

Supporting sustainable choices

Platforms like Meat Free Mondays help people reduce their meat consumption, offering an accessible path to more sustainable food choices. Encouraging even one meat-free day a week can significantly lessen environmental impact, making sustainability more achievable for all.

To ensure a sustainable future, we must rethink our food systems and reduce meat consumption. Meat production is environmentally unsustainable, and our choices must prioritise the planet’s preservation.