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?@?@?@?@Solutions for a Healthier Planet
?@We all know that greenhouse gases cause global warming. But did you know that the Ice Age's average temperature was only about 2 degrees lower than it is now? That means that what might seem like slight differences may cause drastic changes. Recently we have seen on the news many of the negative effects of global warming; but we should also remember that there is the potential for us to have a positive influence on the future too.
?@Let me first explain more about the problem before outlining my solutions. Scientists believe that the greenhouse effect is one of the main culprits of global warming. But what is the greenhouse effect? It means that when the sun's energy, rays, and heat come through the atmosphere, while some of it reflects back towards space, some of it becomes trapped in the Earth's atmosphere. When a lot of greenhouse gases such as CO2 and Methane get trapped in the atmosphere, the Earth heats up, causing climate change. Climate change can cause severe droughts, severe floods, make the sea levels rise, etc. Not only that, it can affect our health and decrease economic development. So what can we do to reduce or even stop these problems?
?@First, I believe we must start eating more local produce. Most foods sold in supermarkets are shipped or flown from distant countries. Buying vegetables or fruits, or anything else that can be produced nearby and sold at a local store can save tons of oil used for transportation. For example, I buy pumpkins, which is my favorite vegetable, from a local store that is just five minutes away from my house. Locally grown vegetables contain less agricultural chemicals, which can be toxic, so not only does this plan save oil, it is better for your body.
?@Secondly, we must start eating less meat. Flatulence from farm animals causes emissions of methane, a greenhouse gas that is 21 times more powerful than CO2. According to a team of scientists led by Akifumi Ogino at the National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science in Tsukuba, Japan, producing 1kg of beef results in more CO2 emissions than going for a three-hour drive while leaving all of the lights on in your house. Cutting out meat just once a week could make a huge difference to the planet. Already around the world, a movement called Meat Free Monday is spreading. The famous singer Paul McCartney called for a meat free day in the UK, and says that "A lower-meat diet could see greenhouse gases reduced by as much as 80 per cent".
?@I have recently found a way to cut down on meat without cutting on protein. I read an article by the Harvard School of Public Health, saying that eating fish instead of meat is healthier. A 6-ounce broiled porterhouse steak contains 38 grams worth of protein, but also delivers 44 grams of fat, with 16 of them saturated. That's almost three-fourths of the recommended daily intake for saturated fat. The same amount of salmon gives you 34 grams of protein and 18 grams of fat, with only 4 of them saturated. So you can help reduce methane while keeping healthy. We must consciously make efforts to reduce our consumption of meat to help the planet.
?@These are two simple actions that anyone can take to help reduce greenhouse gases. I hope that in making this speech, I have given you some easy to implement ideas for reducing greenhouse gases while staying healthy. They are just small adjustments to make to your everyday lifestyle. So from today, let's start buying more locally produced food not just cheaper options. Let's start eating more fish instead of meat. And let's start reducing greenhouse gases! Let's have a fitter, greener lifestyle that will make our future better.
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