Save the planet, become a veggie

The Department for the environment, food and rural affairs (Defra) has got itself in a bit of pickle! It appears to have endorsed a view from a vegan group called Viva, that we should all become vegetarians to combat climate change. It is even considering recommending eating less meat as one of the "key environmental behaviour changes" needed to save the planet. The leaked email even says that this change would have to be introduced "gently" because of "the risk of alienating the public". Well, you've lost me for a start. The theory goes that farm yard animals such as cows are a major producer or greenhouse gases such as methane and as a result it is the farmers to blame for the end of the world and we should boycott their meat. Unsurprisingly, the National Farmers' Union, have responded by saying the suggestion was "simplistic" and "a cause of concern".

In response to Defra only saying they will introduce the measure gently, Juliet Gellatley, director of Viva, said: "-I think it is extraordinary that a Government agency thinks becoming a vegetarian or vegan could have such a positive impact for the environment yet it is not prepared to stand up and argue the case-." So she's not happy we not all forced to go vegan. Whilst the rest of us just say mind your own business. I hope this idea is scrapped before it ever becomes official - we actually pay money for people to tell us how to live like this! I'm having a steak tonight.