UN says global sustainability will 'only be possible' with a shift 'away from animal products'

A new report [1] from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has concluded that a global shift away from eating meat and dairy is the only way to make substantial progress toward stabilising the global environment.

Agriculture tops the UNEP list of priorities for an environmentally sustainable 21st century, as reported by The Guardian [2].

The UN study of environmental damage concludes that, due to global human population growth, "a substantial reduction of impacts would only be possible with a substantial worldwide diet change, away from animal products."

The UNEP report, "Environmental Impacts of Consumption and Production: Priority Products and Materials" [3], offers detailed analysis of environmental pressures and their causes, aiming to provide the knowledge required for reducing environmental impacts.

Vegan Society Media Contact: Amanda Baker - Mobile: (07847) 664 793 Email: media@vegansociety.com Tel: (0121) 523 1737

Notes for Editors

1. Hertwich E. G. et al. Environmental Impacts of Consumption and Production: Priority Products and Materials. 2010 Report. United Nations Environment Programme, Division of Technology, Industry, and Economics, Sustainable Consumption Production Branch http://www.unep.fr/shared/publications/pdf/DTIx1262xPA-PriorityProductsAndMaterials_Report.pdf (accessed 3 Jun 2010).
2. Carus F. UN urges global move to meat and dairy-free diet. The Guardian 2 Jun 2010 http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jun/02/un-report-meat-free-diet (accessed 3 Jun 2010).
3. Founded in 1944, The Vegan Society (http://www.vegansociety.com) promotes vegan lifestyles - which exclude, as far as is possible and practical, all forms of exploitation of animals for food, clothing or any other purpose. Registered Charity No. 279228, Company Registration No. 1468880, VAT Registration No. 448 5973 95