We Are the Weather

1. Our planet is an animal farm, not a factory

We have misunderstood what our planet is, and therefore misunderstood how to save it.

Reframing our perspective. The common visual representations of climate change – smokestacks and polar bears – have given us the impression that our planet is a factory, and that the animals most relevant to climate change are wild and far away. This misunderstanding has led to a counterproductive approach to addressing the crisis.

The reality of our planet:

• 60% of all mammals on Earth are animals raised for food
• There are approximately 30 farmed animals for every human
• 59% of all land capable of growing crops is used to grow food for livestock
• One-third of all fresh water humans use goes to livestock

By recognizing our planet as an animal farm rather than a factory, we can better understand the true nature of the climate crisis and the actions needed to address it.

2. Individual actions matter in addressing climate change

If we cannot address climate change, never save our home, until we acknowledge that our planet is an animal farm.

The power of personal choices. While it's easy to feel powerless in the face of climate change, individual actions can have a significant impact. The idea that only large-scale structural changes matter is a form of denial that allows us to avoid personal responsibility.

Impact of individual choices:

• Eating a plant-based diet
• Avoiding air travel
• Living car-free
• Having fewer children

These four actions have been identified as the highest-impact things an individual can do to tackle climate change. Of these, plant-based eating is the most immediately accessible and addresses the most urgent greenhouse gases: methane and nitrous oxide.

3. Animal agriculture is a leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions

According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, if cows were a country, they would rank third in greenhouse gas emissions, after China and the United States.

The hidden culprit. Animal agriculture's contribution to climate change is often underestimated or overlooked. However, it is responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and resource consumption.

Animal agriculture's impact:

• Responsible for 14.5% to 51% of global greenhouse gas emissions (estimates vary)
• Leading source of methane emissions
• Primary cause of deforestation, especially in the Amazon
• Major consumer of water and land resources

Addressing animal agriculture is crucial for effectively combating climate change, as it affects multiple aspects of the environment and resource use.

4. Reducing animal product consumption is crucial for climate mitigation

Not eating animal products for breakfast and lunch saves 1.3 metric tons per year.

A simple yet powerful change. Shifting towards a plant-based diet is one of the most effective ways individuals can contribute to climate change mitigation. This doesn't require a complete lifestyle overhaul, but rather a manageable adjustment to daily habits.

Benefits of reducing animal product consumption:

• Lowers personal carbon footprint
• Reduces demand for resource-intensive animal agriculture
• Encourages development of more sustainable food systems
• Improves personal health and reduces healthcare costs

By making this change, individuals can have a tangible impact on greenhouse gas emissions while also potentially improving their own health and wellbeing.

5. Climate change requires both structural and personal changes

We need structural change, yes—we need a global shift away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy. We need to enforce something akin to a carbon tax, mandate environmental-impact labels for products, replace plastic with sustainable solutions, and build walkable cities. We need structures to nudge us toward choices we already want to make.

A comprehensive approach. Addressing climate change effectively requires action at both the systemic and individual levels. While large-scale policy changes are crucial, they must be complemented by personal choices and lifestyle adjustments.

Key areas for change:

• Energy: Shift to renewable sources
• Policy: Implement carbon taxes and environmental regulations
• Infrastructure: Develop sustainable cities and transportation systems
• Personal: Make conscious choices in diet, travel, and consumption

Recognizing the interconnectedness of these areas can help us understand that every action, from voting for climate-conscious policies to choosing plant-based meals, contributes to the overall solution.

6. Confronting our mortality can inspire environmental action

If we don't overcome our agnosticism and alter our behavior in the ways that we know are necessary, how will our descendants judge us? Will they know that they inherited a battlefield because we were unwilling to turn off our lights?

Legacy and responsibility. Contemplating our own mortality and the future we leave behind can be a powerful motivator for environmental action. By considering how future generations will judge our choices, we can gain perspective on the long-term consequences of our actions.

Reflecting on our impact:

• Consider the world we're leaving for future generations
• Acknowledge our role in shaping the planet's future
• Recognize the urgency of the climate crisis
• Use the prospect of judgment as motivation for change

This perspective can help transform abstract environmental concerns into personal, emotionally resonant motivations for action.

7. Collective action and belief are key to solving the climate crisis

We are the flood, and we are the ark.

The power of unity. Addressing climate change requires not only individual actions but also collective belief and effort. Like the story of Noah's Ark, we must work together to build a metaphorical vessel that can carry us through the environmental crisis.

Elements of collective action:

• Shared belief in the urgency of the crisis
• Coordinated efforts across communities and nations
• Support for climate-conscious policies and leaders
• Cultural shifts towards sustainable lifestyles

By recognizing our collective power and responsibility, we can overcome the feeling of individual helplessness and create meaningful change. Just as no one person built the ark, no single individual can solve climate change – but together, we have the power to shape our planet's future.

Last updated: September 29, 2024