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Should the UK have a
'meat tax?'
THE The Vegan
Society
have issued a press release this week saying:- "Reducing meat
consumption is critical to curbing climate change, declared a report by
leading think tank Chatham House earlier do not go far enough."
Animal agriculture was identified as 1 of the major drivers of rising
temperatures. Livestock is responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions
than all global transport combined, yet public awareness of the link between
diet and the environment remains low, the report found. Quite a shock was
that Chatham
House has publicly said that it's main
recommendation would be to introduce a:- "meat tax!" We
would love to know your views on this!
"This is a watershed report,
thrusting the catastrophic yet persistently ignored environmental impact of
animal agriculture firmly back into the political spotlight ahead of the UN
Climate Conference next week. That it came from an independent, politically
influential organisation bodes well for new policy coming out of it. Taxes,
however, raise a number of issues and have a history of not working
effectively to phase out consumption. Higher prices add to the inequalities
we have in society which reinforce oppression, and may also perpetuate the
notion that meat itself is more desirable; of greater worth. Rather than
looking at taxing animal products, let's instead focus on plant based foods
that are better for the planet, everybody's health, the future of our food
and, of course, the animals. They are also much more inclusive and
affordable. What's needed is financial support for farmers wanting to
diversify away from livestock and into protein crops. The UK has some of the
world's best conditions for growing plant protein like hemp and fava beans,
which we set out in detail in our Grow Green report." said Jasmijn
de Boo, CEO of The Vegan Society.
The Vegan Society launched its Grow Green campaign at the Labour Party
Conference 2 months ago. More than seeking a reduction in meat eating, it
calls for subsidies for those interested in transitioning from farming
animals to growing protein crops and other plant based agricultural options.
The Vegan Society also said that:- "The benefits are not only
environmental. Major studies, including the World Health Organisation's
report last month, are frequently reporting on the many health benefits of
plant based eating, and its greater sustainability. Farmers could also face
a brighter future. Dairy farmers in particular have struggled very publicly
this year despite each receiving on average about a third of their income,
around £25,000 per year, in EU subsidies. Financial assistance to move out
of these failing industry could save their livelihoods."
So please do let us know what you think by emailing us to:-
news24@southportreporter.com. |
