Meat by Meat: Breaking Down the Environmental Footprint Meat is a staple protein source in many diets around the world, but its production also carries a significant environmental impact. This article dives into the environmental footprint of different meats, helping you make informed choices about what you consume. The Big Picture: Livestock and Greenhouse Gases Livestock farming is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane and nitrous oxide. These gases are far more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere, accelerating global warming. Methane: Cows, sheep, and other ruminant animals produce methane as part of their digestive process. This gas is especially troublesome because it's 25 times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. Nitrous Oxide: Manure from livestock and fertilizers used to grow their feed release nitrous oxide, another potent greenhouse gas. Meat by Meat Breakdown Not all me...