CLIMATE DIET PRAISES Advisory Group Report on USDA’S Upcoming GUIDANCE on FOOD CHOICES
Posted on February 1, 2025
Washington, DC — January 2025 — Climate Diet, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting environmentally sustainable eating habits, is urging policymakers, industry leaders, and consumers to support the Report of the Advisory Group provided input to new USDA guidelines new guidelines released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).The Report emphasizesing the need for sustainable food systems to address climate change by adopting sustainable dietary habits dietary at home, in schools, and across institutions.
The REUSDA’s reports recommendations new recommendations highlighthighlight the importance of reducing the environmental impact of food production, specifically calling for increased consumption of plant-based foods and decreased reliance on resource-intensive animal agriculture. This is in response to growing scientific consensus linking agricultural practices to approximately 31% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
“The REport’sUSDA’s proactive stance on integrating sustainability into dietary recommendations is a significant step toward mitigating climate change,” said Jane DeMarines, Executive Director of Climate Diet. “This guidance aligns with Climate Diet’s mission to educate individuals on the environmental impact of their food choices. By empowering consumers to shift toward plant-based diets, we can collectively reduce emissions, conserve water, and protect biodiversity.”
The Climate Cost of Animal Agriculture
Research shows that animal agriculture is responsible for approximately 14.5% of global GHG emissions, with beef production alone accounting for 41% of those emissions. Furthermore, producing a single pound of beef requires roughly 1,800 gallons of water, compared to 16 gallons for a pound of lettuce.
By reducing the consumption of animal products, the USDA estimates the potential to lower U.S. agricultural emissions by up to 20% by 2030, contributing significantly to the nation’s climate goals.
Call to Action
“Our planet is at a critical tipping point,” added DeMarines. “The Report’s guidanceUSDA’s guidance provides an opportunity for transformative change in the way we eat and produce food. But we need all hands on deck—policymakers, businesses, and individuals alike—to ensure these guidelines become actionable solutions.”
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Climate Diet | Contact: demarines@climatediet.org | 202-997-8785
Climate Diet strives to educate individuals about the impact of their food choices especially animal proteins on the planet’s climate. Animal agriculture is unsustainable.