A coalition of UK health professionals has called for a tax on meat products with a high environmental impact unless the food industry takes action to reduce the harm their products cause to the climate.
Photo: Markku Åkerfelt
They want the tax enshrined into law by 2025, claiming the climate crisis cannot effectively be controlled without regulations on the damage certain meat products, such as beef and dairy products, cause to the environment through every aspect of their production.
Cattle are already responsible for a large amount of methane - a primary greenhouse gas - entering the atmosphere. Livestock account for 14.5% of global GHG emissions, ultimately leading to land degradation, water and air pollution and a decline in biodiversity.
Meat production also has a significant impact on the environment in other parts of the world, with it being a contributing factor in Amazon deforestation.
The UK Health Alliance on Climate Change (UKHACC) includes benefactors from 10 colleges of medicine and nursing, the British Medical Association and the Lancet, representing medical professionals trusted with prioritising the country's health.
A report released by the coalition recommends several steps in reducing meat, including ending meal deals for unhealthy foods as well as on perishable food that often goes to waste.
They also call for campaigns to warn of the dangers that certain types of food can have to both personal and climate health. They have advocated for a £2 billion annual fund to ensure public catering adheres to basic environmental standards.
Red meat consumption is often linked to obesity, as well as heart problems and high cholesterol, but are also touted as a great source of protein, provided the cuts have minimal fat content. A 2019 NHS report into the subject found that red meat consumption was linked with a 10% chance of dying younger, but ultimately falls inconclusive as to whether or not shifting from this diet is the key to living a longer life.
However, the report does find that eating increased amounts of fruits and vegetables is key to living a longer, healthier life.
A YouGov poll of health professionals for UKHACC found that two-thirds of recipients agree that switching from meat-heavy diets can improve your health, while 40% admitted to making the switch themselves.
People in developed countries generally eat more meat than recommended as part of a balanced diet, and in the UK, only one-in-three people eat their 5-a-day recommended portions of fruit and vegetables.
Several more fringe studies have linked meat consumption with cancer, but the evidence in favour of this approach is weak, and the scientific consensus is against it.
Kristin Bash, who chairs UKHACC, and who co-authored the report, said: “We can’t reach our goals without addressing our food system. The climate crisis isn’t something we should see as far in the future. It’s time to take these issues seriously now.”
This is not the first food-based controversy levied at the Johnson government. A Public Health England report in October revealed that relatively inconsequential sugar cuts have been made by the government since their campaign began in 2016.
Recently, MPs voted against regulation on imported food in the case of a no-deal Brexit, following news that as much as 90% of meat products entering the UK from the US contained traces of e.coli.
On top of this, many retailers have warned of price hikes owing to a no-deal Brexit, which threatens to throw the UK food sector into jeapardy.
In October, the NHS set a goal of complete carbon-neutrality by 2040, and food production is included in its vision.
Food catering for the NHS accounts for 6% of their emissions.
The report states: "Healthier, locally sourced food can improve wellbeing wile cutting emissions related to agriculture, transport, storage and waste across the supply chain and on NHS estate."
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