유엔 기후 전문가, 환경 보호를 위해 붉은 육류 소비 자제 권고
기후변화의 영향을 억제하려면 붉은 육류 소비를 줄여야 한다고 유엔의 최고 전문가가 말했다

By Robyn Powell Dr Rajendra Pachauri, chair of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), said people should have one meat-free day to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

The economist, who is vegetarian, said diet change was important in reducing environmental problems associated with rearing cattle and other animals.

Dr Pachauri is due to give a speech in London on Monday under the title: "Global Warning: the impact of meat production and consumption on climate change".

The IPCC evaluates climate data for the world’s government and last year earned a joint share of the Nobel peace prize.

“Give up meat for one day (per week) initially, and decrease it from there," he told the Observer.

"In terms of immediacy of action and the feasibility of bringing about reductions in a short period of time, it clearly is the most attractive opportunity."

Other small-scale lifestyle changes would also help to combat climate change.

Dr Pachauri said 18 per cent of all greenhouse emissions was due to animal production.

He said small changes in lifestyle would make a difference to global emissions, but called for Governments to act to reduce the number of livestock reared.

But the move has been criticised by farmers and the meat industry.

The National Farmers Union said "simplistic measures" to reduce meat consumption would "create more problems than they solve".

A spokeswoman said: "The NFU is committed to ensuring farming is part of the solution to climate change, rather than being part of the problem."

Stuart Roberts, director of the British Meat Processors Association, said he was "disappointed" by the comments.

He said: "The British meat industry already takes its environmental responsibilities very seriously and I believe methane levels on UK farms are actually falling already.

"We have been working closely with the NFU to reduce emissions in our process. It's important this is all kept in context."

Joyce D'Silva, Ambassador for Compassion in World Farming called on Britons to reduced their meat intake.

"If we continue to consume meat and dairy at the current rate both animals and the planet will suffer.

“Factory farming is unsustainable and inhumane. The best thing people can do is eat less meat and dairy and eat only higher welfare - organic and free-range.