THE SHORTCUT

Stop climate change starting with your next meal

We all struggle to know how to make a difference when it comes to climate change.

Here is a shortcut you can take today!

We know that we are facing the catastrophic warming of our planet and that, due to the way reinforcing feedback loops work, this warming is speeding up exponentially. The effects of climate change are getting worse every year and we are all witnessing the consequences – they are becoming both more frequent and more severe. It’s all happening so quickly that we don’t have time to adjust or adapt in ways that will allow us to move toward a more sustainable and caring society. This requires our urgent response. But it is far too common for us to feel helpless in the face of this reality.

A Plant-Based Diet

From Powerlessness to Agency

Mounting evidence in the scientific community is showing that a plant-based diet provides us with everything our bodies need to live a vibrant life! There are many reasons with some important ones being: a thriving immune system, reduced inflammation and a diet rich in fiber. And beyond those benefits for our health, by replacing beef (and other methane-producing animals such as lamb, goat, and water buffalo) you will have a huge impact on the rate of global warming. If enough of us stop eating beef, we are taking a strong collective stance by saying we care enough about the state of the planet to make changes to save it. And that sends a powerful message which will create the kind of reinforcing feedback loop we want!

Learn More

What can we do as individuals when systemic change is required? The fact is there’s a lot we can do. From how we shop to how we travel, the decisions we make everyday matter; and there is one area where we can have the biggest environmental impact, and that’s how we eat.

A row of cows next to each other in a feedlot.

All about Methane

The primary heat-trapping gas emitted by cars is carbon dioxide. The primary heat-trapping gas from a cow is methane. Over a 20-year period, due to the difference between how the two gases trap heat in the atmosphere, methane is 80 times more potent than CO₂;. So, over the short-term removing four cows is the equivalent of removing 5 cars from the equation. We invite you to experience your ability to make a difference by committing to dramatically decrease or, better yet, to eliminate your beef consumption. Methane’s atmospheric lifespan is shorter than CO₂ (12 years vs. centuries). Stopping beef consumption significantly reduces heat trapping within 12 years, aiding 2050 Paris Accord goals. This requires no government support, or any policy, or corporate changes—it’s something we can do immediately and independently, buying time for governments and corporations to adjust laws and regulations.

More About Methane

Why Commit to the Shortcut

We invite you to experience your ability to make a difference by committing to dramatically decrease or, better yet, to eliminate your beef consumption.

Have a significant impact on slowing the warming of the planet.

Don't wait for permission or action from governments or corporations.

Show future generations that you are concerned enough to make changes to your own lifestyle.

Experience your own agency by taking a stand on climate change while adding your voice to a community committed to doing the same.

93 %

Reduction in your emissions by moving from a meat-based diet to a plant-based one.

80 x

Methane's heat trapping capacity compared to CO2.

4 vs 5

Over a 20-year period, removing four cows is the equivalent of removing five cars.

Resources

Learn more about agriculture, climate change, and a plant-based diet

10 ways to move towards a plant-based diet.

Malene Falch Colotla 11 July 2024

5 min read

10 ways to move towards a plant-based diet.

Moving towards a plant-based diet can for many seem like a daunting task. But some tips and tricks can help ease the transition and best of all, it will have huge upsides not only for the health of our planet but your health as well.

104

Views

Share on social media

Learn More

Common Earth Insights

Check out our flagship course and dates for 2025.

Reframing Climate Change

Join us in 2025 for our abbreviated course.

Daisy World

Get inspired by stories of global sustainable regeneration.

Reach Out

We love talking about what we do and how it can make a difference to you.

info@commonearth.com

+1-647-785-4408

Toronto, ON – Canada