There is considerable debate regarding the whole global warming issue. Some experts believe that the earth warms up and cools down in a cyclical manner and that we are in a naturally occurring warm period at the moment. Other experts believe that human activity is contributing to the increase in levels of greenhouse gases and that this is causing the earth to warm up in an artificial manner. Neither theory can be proven at the moment but it is a fact that we are producing much more greenhouse gas in recent times.

So what are greenhouse gases and what is a carbon footprint and how does this relate to our diet?

Greenhouse gases are natural gases that occur in the earth’s atmosphere. Radiation from the sun heats the earth which in turn reflects heat back to the atmosphere. This heat is absorbed by the greenhouse gases and this in effect insulates the earth. We are told that our activities as humans are adding to the quantity of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere and so the earth is overheating i.e. we have global warming.

The amount of greenhouse gas that we as individuals create can be measured and is termed our Carbon Footprint. It refers to the amount of gas we each produce through the burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heating etc. We are all considered to produce a certain number of kilograms of carbon dioxide , depending on the amount of fossil fuels we burn.We have both a primary and a secondary carbon footprint.

The Primary Carbon Footprint refers to items we have control over such as the burning of fuel for heat or the use of petrol for transport etc. We may be asked to consider such things as taking holidays closer to home to reduce the number of miles we fly or to use hybrid cars.

The Secondary Carbon Footprint refers to the whole life cycle of the products we use. For example how far our food travels before we buy it or what processes go into the manufacture of our clothes. We often have limited control over this area of our activity.

Another area that is beginning to receive a lot of attention in this whole debate is our method of food production. Meat production is a very heavy emitter of carbon dioxide. A UN report in 2006 stated that current production levels of meat contributes 14 to 22 percent of the greenhouse gases the world produces every year. Intensive farming with its dependence on machinery, fertilisers, shipping and transport is a major contributing factor.

Apparently producing 0.25kg of beef releases as much greenhouse gas to the atmosphere as driving an average car for 14km.By contrast, producing fruit and vegetables contributes very little to the greenhouse gas effect. In addition raising cattle in an enclosed environment and feeding them meal causes an increase in the level of belching and consequently an increase in gas in the atmosphere. If you eat beef maybe you could look at buying meat from animals that are  raised locally and which are grass fed outdoors,  if this is possible.

Reducing our carbon footprint by reducing our carbon intake i.e. eating less meat is an argument which is really  gaining popularity. Some would argue that this is also healthier as meat is also higher in fat and in calorie content than fruit and vegetables. I personally disagree that this is a healthier diet but that is an argument for another day. In any event in order to slow down global warming is seems you do not have to spend lots of money installing solar panels, buying hybrid cars etc. You can cause a significant decrease in your carbon footprint by simply eating more fruit and vegetables and eating less meat particularily beef!