For its proponents, the beauty of ‘climate change” is the ability to impose ever more constrictive regulation on people’s habits and tastes. And for the political class, it must be thrilling to dictate to the plebs even what they can eat or drink. From today’s Times of London:
GIVE up lamb roasts and save the planet. Government advisers are developing menus to combat climate change by cutting out “high carbon” food such as meat from sheep, whose burping poses a serious threat to the environment.
Out will go kebabs, greenhouse tomatoes and alcohol. Instead, diners will be encouraged to consume more potatoes and seasonal vegetables, as well as pork and chicken, which generate fewer carbon emissions.
“Changing our lifestyles, including our diets, is going to be one of the crucial elements in cutting carbon emissions,” said David Kennedy, chief executive of the Committee on Climate Change. . . .
The problem is because sheep burp so much methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Cows are only slightly better behaved. The production of 2.2lb of beef releases methane equivalent to 35lb of CO2 Tomatoes, most of which are grown in heated glasshouses, are the most “carbon-intensive” vegetable, each 2.2lb generating more than 20lb of CO2 Potatoes, in contrast, release only about 1lb of CO2 for each 2.2lb of food. The figures are similar for most other native fruit and vegetables.
“We are not saying that everyone should become vegetarian or give up drinking but moving towards less carbon intensive foods will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve health,” said Kennedy. . . .
Alcoholic drinks are another significant contributory factor, with the growing and processing of crops such as hops and malt into beer and whisky helping to generate 1.5% of the nation’s greenhouse gases.
I can see it now: restaurant menus will have a ‘carbon rating’ for every every entree and every bottle of beer a warning that drinking is hazardous to the environment. But don’t expect me to feel guilty about the kebabs or the wine, beer and whiskey in the house.
And as for the British, I strongly suspect that restricting the beer supply because of ‘climate change’ will be the last straw. Never, ever, get between a Brit and his pint.
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