The Government of Canada is currently accepting comments from the public on climate change. We need to make sure the largest climate-polluter – animal agriculture – isn’t ignored.

We urge you to take part in the conversation. You will be required to register to submit your ideas.

Below are some talking points for your submission. All are referenced and taken from the website of the groundbreaking environmental documentary, Cowspiracy.

Climate change affects all of us – make sure you’re part of the discussion.

Animal agriculture is the leading cause of species extinction, ocean dead zones, water pollution, and habitat destruction.  

Animal agriculture contributes to species extinction in many ways. In addition to the monumental habitat destruction caused by clearing forests and converting land to grow feed crops and for animal grazing, predators and “competition” species are frequently targeted and hunted because of a perceived threat to livestock profits. The widespread use of pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers used in the production of feed crops often interferes with the reproductive systems of animals and poison waterways. The overexploitation of wild species through commercial fishing, bushmeat trade as well as animal agriculture’s impact on climate change, all contribute to global depletion of species and resources.

Animal agriculture is responsible for 18 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, more than the combined exhaust from all transportation. Fao.org. Spotlight: Livestock impacts on the environment.

Emissions for agriculture projected to increase 80% by 2050. http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v515/n7528/full/nature13959.html

2,500 gallons of water are needed to produce 1 pound of beef.  Oxford Journals. “Water Resources: Agricultural and Environmental Issues”

 1,000 gallons of water are required to produce 1 gallon of milk. Water Footprint Network, “Product Water Footprints”.

3/4 of the world’s fisheries are exploited or depleted. “General Situation of World Fish Stocks.” United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

We could see fishless oceans by 2048. Science, “Impacts of Biodiversity Loss on Ocean Ecosystem Services”.