Just a few weeks ago the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning (MECP) in Malta launched the Nationwide public awareness campaign to promote climate action. It’s a positive initiate. I do believe though that for it to be successful it needs to address our eating habits. Consequently the campaign #ClimateOn needs to also be #VeganOn if it is to work.
Around 6 years ago The Guardian reported on an analysis from the think tank Chatham House. This said that controlling the ever growing global consumption of meat and dairy is key to avoid climate change. It stated that unfortunately governments (and green campaigners) are doing nothing to tackle the issue due to fears of consumer backlash. Six years have passed and the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning (MECP) is launching a much needed awareness campaign to promote climate action. The question is, will the Ministry tiptoe on the issue of meat and dairy as main contributors to climate change?
A recent report by WWF has found that 16 per cent of tropical deforestation from international trade was linked to EU imports in 2017. (That is the last data available but things have not improved in the last few years). The main commodities linked to this destruction were soy, palm oil and beef. Furthermore about 80 percent or more of what the EU imports for soy is used to feed livestock.
As Anke Schulmeister-Oldenhove, one of the report’s lead authors, explains the imported soy from tropical deforestation “actually goes to that chicken that makes your breakfast egg, it goes to the pig that makes your breakfast bacon and it goes to the cow that brings your milk or yoghurt.” Do we need to spell it out or can you connect the dots?
Veggy Malta supports awareness on climate change
Finally let’s be clear, Veggy Malta totally supports the awareness initiative on climate change #ClimateOn. After all we ALL need to do something before it’s too late. It is important to stress that if we seriously want to change the tide and change our lifestyles, we also need to address our eating habits. We understand that going totally plant based might seem difficult for many, yet equally important you can start by reducing the intake of meat, fish and dairy (yes fish as well). If you are lost on what to cook you can check our website for example for inspiration. In fact we have a full selection of recipes to help you out. Do it for the planet, and if that fails to trigger you, do it for your own health and wellbeing. Let’s make #ClimateOn into a #VeganOn.
