My concluding thoughts...

From beginning this blog in October, I have learnt so much about numerous components that make consuming beef impact the environment so severely. I most definitely think I have a developed a broader understanding of this relationship through writing this blog and I hope you all have too. My research into different areas has really alerted me about the serious destruction our consumption habits are having. What shocked me the most was the severe damage it is doing to the Amazon through intense cattle-rearing in Brazil. Having visited Brazil myself and admiring the diverse flora and fauna that is abundant, it is devastating that WE are the primary causes of its loss. 

View from Sugarloaf Mountain, Brazil, in March 2015.

(source: Laura Thrower)

One aspect of writing this blog I have seriously enjoyed is it has given me continual motivation to not eat beef - to this day I haven't eaten beef in 5 months! I have even surprised myself as are many of my family as they know that steak and chips is my dream meal. Additionally, my blog posts that have explored whether it is necessary for the entire population to become vegetarian, or even vegan, have definitely made me think twice about what I am buying from the supermarket or ordering from a restaurant. Although neither of these dietary options still appeal to me...

Upon reflection of this blog, I am extremely motivated to inform my friends, family and anyone really about the great impacts that consuming beef are having on our environment and how much they are accelerating climate change. I know that not everyone is going to change their diet, no matter how many statistics I tell them or how many videos I show them. Therefore, I think that it is crucial to implement other ways to reduce the impacts of our consumption habits on the environment. In my opinion, based on my knowledge, the most efficient ways of doing so are:

1. Top-down government intervention in increasing society's knowledge of this issue.

2. Implementation of more efficient land use techniques in cattle-rearing.

3. Taxing of either meat production directly or the GHG emissions produced from doing so.

Nevertheless, I still endeavor to continue not eating beef and actually attempt to cut down on my general meat consumption. One person doing something does not seem like much, but I am a true believer that every little thing someone does to reduce their environmental impact makes a difference. If giving up beef or meat entirely seems too hard, maybe try having one day a week where you don't eat any meat! Remember - we only have ONE planet - why not do something today to ensure we don't loose it? Here's a final little video to motivate you all...

P.S. Thank you all for reading!