The Best Way to Prevent Global Climate Change May Surprise You

When I listen to the mainstream media and hear people talk about the best ways to reduce human dependence on fossil fuels and prevent global climate change, almost invariable the pundits focus on driving less (in more efficient cars), turning down the thermostat, turning off lights, regulating energy companies, and using public transit (as well as walking and biking more). Some suggest incentivizing alternative energy development with subsidies similar to the ones (still!) given to the fossil fuel industry.

But almost always, they overlook one of the simplest and most impactful ways for individuals to help prevent global climate change, even if society and individuals don't make any other significant changes. What is that?

Well, if you haven't guessed by now, it's adopting a plant based diet (SOURCE). Meat, dairy, and egg production in its current form is a primary producer of greenhouse gasses and it is extremely wasteful of fresh water and other resources, compared with plant food production (SOURCE).

So if you want to make a significant impact on global climate change through your own actions, while keeping the thermostat right where it is and leaving the lights on at night, just eat less (or no) meat, dairy, and eggs (SOURCE). 

Importantly, you don't need to wait for the government to step in and do something about global climate change. First of all, they won't! There are too many powerful interests in the food industry working against governmental policies to promote whole food plant based eating (SOURCE). Secondly, eating less meat and more plants is something you have total control over, rather than waiting for an apathetic and bureaucratic government to impose a nanny state on you, over which you will have almost no control, except for civil disobedience. As we have seen, historically, when the government imposes regulations on people and businesses, the result is usually disastrous, because people rebel against any infringement on their personal freedoms, even if doing so goes against their best interests (Freedom First, baby!). But if you have the choice to do something on your own to make the world a better place, with very little impact on your safety and comfort, wouldn't you consider it?

It's just a question. Post your responses in the comments.