When it comes to preserving the environment, all possible factors contributing to climate change have to be examined. The animal agriculture industry is frequently called out for its role in greenhouse gas emissions, and the cattle industry has been targeted as the worst offender.
There has been plenty of discussions about the environmental cost of animal agriculture is, but no agreement. After the United Nations released its “Livestock’s Long Shadow” report indicating that livestock accounts for 18% of greenhouse gas emissions, numerous scientists pointed out flaws in the research stemming from the way the report factored in the environmental cost of transportation. The beef industry has made great gains in becoming more sustainable. The North American Meat Institute published a Meat Myth Crusher article that pointed out that each pound of beef raised in 2007 compared to 1977 used 19% less feed; 33% less land; 12% less water; and 9% less fossil fuel energy with an overall carbon footprint reduction of 16 percent. During this same period, the U.S. produced 13% more total beef from 30% fewer animals.