The Meat of the Matter

The Hong Kong government’s web page on climate change details its initiatives in this area and lists ways individuals can take action, such as recycling. At no point is there any mention of meat. And yet, the livestock sector accounts for a hefty 15 percent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions – more than the emissions from all cars, planes, trains and ships combined – says the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Eating less beef offers an easy way to reduce one’s carbon footprint: One study showed producing one kilogram of beef is similar, in terms of equivalent CO2 emissions, to driving a distance of about