ANIMAL AGRICULTURE AND CLIMATE CHANGE: THE REALLY BIG COW IN THE ROOM

The impacts from U.S. animal agriculture on climate change are substantial and well-documented scientifically but too often are left out of discussions regarding climate change. Unfortunately, U.S. animal agricultural practices are setting an example that other countries are following and which will result in even higher adverse impacts internationally. Both science and basic math tell us we cannot meet our climate change goals, domestically or internationally, unless we significantly reduce the climate change impacts from animal agriculture. The panelists will first discuss and document these connections in detail and address why current regulatory regimes are failing to address this problem. The final panel of speakers will offer some perspectives on small and large solutions to address this challenging issue.