“We call on you, RT Hon Alok Sharma MP, and the UNFCCC to formally and publicly recognise the role of animal agriculture as one of the largest contributors of climate change, and to reflect that in the COP26 agenda.”
This was the closing statement of a written letter to COP26 president, Alok Sharma MP, signed by some of Britain the United States’ best-known celebrities.
The signees comprise: Alan Cummings, Alesha Dixon, Alicia Silverstone, Billie Eilish, Chris Packham, Daisy Ridley, Deborah Meadon, Evanna Lynch, Finneas O’Connell, James McVey, Joanna Lumley OBE, Joaquin Phoenix, Leona Lewis, Lily Cole, Lucy Watson, Moby, Rickey Gervais and Stephen Fry.
The open letter was published by Humane Society International yesterday, Monday, September 20, ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC), commonly known as COP26.
“As the United Kingdom prepares to host the United Nations Climate Change COP26 in November, we write to urge the UK government to take steps to ensure that animal agriculture is on the COP26 agenda,” the letter read.
Animal agriculture is one of the leading contributors to climate change, representing 14.5-16.5% of all anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions [GHG] globally. This makes animal agriculture the second-highest GHG emitter in the world, on par with all forms of global transport.
“The impact our diet has on the planet can no longer be ignored,” it continued.
The letter claimed that with animal agriculture as a major source of emissions, it would be impossible to meet goals set out in the Paris Agreement without making changes to the food system, and called for three specific topics to be addressed formally, at COP26:
- Shifting subsidies and financial incentives from livestock production to more sustainable plant-based agriculture, thus supporting a just transition in the agriculture sector;
- Incentivising investment in the development of alternatives to animal agriculture and creating a supportive regulatory environment for innovation within the protein landscape;
- Amending government procurement priorities to encourage and demonstrate lower GHG pathways within the public sector.
Addressing these, it said, “will help move global governments from concept to action in order to tackle climate change”.
Response
In a statement responding to the open letter today (Tuesday, September 21) the National Sheep Association (NSA) said these ‘sweeping statements’ fail to “notice the positive relationship between UK sheep farming and the environment”.
Phil Stocker, NSA chief executive, said: “The over-simplification of this message is misleading – not least because UK agriculture, and particularly sheep farming, is different to countries that do not grow as much grass as us.
The UK sheep industry operates extensively on open pasture, much of which is unsuitable for other land use. Grass-fed lamb has a far lower environmental impact compared to processed foods based on soya, almonds or palm oil, with pasture also acting as a vital carbon sink.
“Sheep used in mixed farming systems help naturally rejuvenate soil for arable crops, and farmers of all different types work hard to find a balance between biodiversity and productivity on farm, providing thriving habitats to support and protect nature.
“In addition, NSA strongly believes a holistic approach to sustainability is essential in order to meet environmental, economic and social goals.
Jumping to the conclusion that removing farming will reduce emissions completely overlooks the contribution made by agriculture to nature recovery, landscape management and food production.
“It would also erode the cultural and historical value of rural communities, destroying employment and career opportunities, social infrastructure, education, social enterprise and traditional artisan methods,” Stocker concluded.
