A few billion people paying for medical research could literally save your life.

A few billion people paying for medical research could literally save your life .


It's in your interest for people around the world to become better off.

It 's in your interest for people around the world to become better off .


No matter what your motivation is, working on a better world is a very good thing to do.

No matter what your motivation is , working on a better world is a very good thing to do .


This video was a collaboration with Max Rosa and Our World in Data,

This video was a collaboration with Max Rosa and Our World in Data ,


you can support us on Patreon or get some of our fancy posters.

you can support us on Patreon or get some of our fancy posters .


Thank you.


Climate change is just too much.


There's never any good news, only graphs that get more and more red and angry.

There 's never any good news , only graphs that get more and more red and angry .


Almost every year breaks some horrible record,

Almost every year breaks some horrible record ,


It's endless and relentless.


We've known for decades that rapid climate change is being caused by the release of greenhouse gases.

We 've known for decades that rapid climate change is being caused by the release of greenhouse gases .


But instead of reducing them, in 2019, the world was emitting 50% more CO2 than in the year 2000.

But instead of reducing them , in 2019 , the world was emitting 50 % more CO2 than in the year 2000 .


And emissions are still rising.


Why is that?


Why is it so hard to just stop emitting these gases?

Why is it so hard to just stop emitting these gases ?


Our collective CO2 emissions can be expressed as a product of four factors and their relationship with each other.

Our collective CO2 emissions can be expressed as a product of four factors and their relationship with each other .


Two of them explain why worldwide CO2 emissions are still rising and two explain how we can stop that.

Two of them explain why worldwide CO2 emissions are still rising and two explain how we can stop that .


People need food, homes and clothing.


And they demand luxury products from iPhones to $1 cheeseburgers.

And they demand luxury products from iPhones to $ 1 cheeseburgers .


It's a very simple equation.


The global population is growing and according to the UN, it will level off at about 11 billion in 2100, which is 40% more than today.

The global population is growing and according to the UN , it will level off at about 11 billion in 2100 , which is 40 % more than today .


The only way to slow down this growth is investment in healthcare and access to contraception and education in developing countries.

The only way to slow down this growth is investment in healthcare and access to contraception and education in developing countries .


But even with massive investment, it will take a few decades for the effects of lower birth rates to manifest themselves.

But even with massive investment , it will take a few decades for the effects of lower birth rates to manifest themselves .


So the global population will keep growing for the foreseeable future and as a consequence, global CO2 emissions will rise over the next few decades.

So the global population will keep growing for the foreseeable future and as a consequence , global CO2 emissions will rise over the next few decades .


But it's not just about our numbers.


The richer and more developed we are, the more emissions our lifestyle produces.

The richer and more developed we are , the more emissions our lifestyle produces .


A programmer in the US has a higher CO2 footprint than 50 farmers in Uganda.

A programmer in the US has a higher CO2 footprint than 50 farmers in Uganda .


The world's wealth is growing almost everywhere.

The world 's wealth is growing almost everywhere .


And although it's far from evenly distributed, economic growth has led to the highest standards of living and the largest reduction in extreme poverty in human history.

And although it 's far from evenly distributed , economic growth has led to the highest standards of living and the largest reduction in extreme poverty in human history .


Growth has become the dominant mantra of the world's economies, no matter what kind of political system they have.

Growth has become the dominant mantra of the world 's economies , no matter what kind of political system they have .


It's unlikely that rich countries will give up the concept of growth anytime soon.

It 's unlikely that rich countries will give up the concept of growth anytime soon .


But even if they were to, developing countries want to become rich too.

But even if they were to , developing countries want to become rich too .


For billions of people, the end of growth would probably mean staying poor and so developing countries are not willing to stop growing their economies.

For billions of people , the end of growth would probably mean staying poor and so developing countries are not willing to stop growing their economies .


All in all, we can be sure that growth as a guiding economic ideology is not going to go away anytime soon.

All in all , we can be sure that growth as a guiding economic ideology is not going to go away anytime soon .


More countries and their citizens around the world will grow and become richer, while the rich economies will continue to grow their wealth.

More countries and their citizens around the world will grow and become richer , while the rich economies will continue to grow their wealth .


There are some signs that growth can be decoupled from CO2 emissions, but we're not close to that yet.

There are some signs that growth can be decoupled from CO2 emissions , but we 're not close to that yet .


As a consequence of this growth, CO2 emissions will rise.

As a consequence of this growth , CO2 emissions will rise .


Okay, so far we've learned that because of population growth and economic growth, humanity's CO2 emissions will increase, which is the opposite of what should be happening.

Okay , so far we 've learned that because of population growth and economic growth , humanity 's CO2 emissions will increase , which is the opposite of what should be happening .


We need to slow, peak and then reduce annual emissions.

We need to slow , peak and then reduce annual emissions .


The next two factors describe how we can actually do this.

The next two factors describe how we can actually do this .


Energy intensity describes how efficiently we use energy.

Energy intensity describes how efficiently we use energy .


A street food vendor in rural Brazil might burn coal to cook, while a street food vendor in France might use an induction stove powered by nuclear energy.

A street food vendor in rural Brazil might burn coal to cook , while a street food vendor in France might use an induction stove powered by nuclear energy .


The latter is way more efficient.


The more efficient something is, the less energy we need to do something.

The more efficient something is , the less energy we need to do something .


So making our technology more efficient and coming up with more efficient ways to organize our societies is one of the most important ways to reduce the modern world's CO2 dependency.

So making our technology more efficient and coming up with more efficient ways to organize our societies is one of the most important ways to reduce the modern world 's CO2 dependency .


This can mean everything from reducing power consumption with AI, the electrification of the transportation and industrial sectors, or sustainable concrete production.

This can mean everything from reducing power consumption with AI , the electrification of the transportation and industrial sectors , or sustainable concrete production .


The opportunities for improvement are almost limitless, and human ingenuity can run wild.

The opportunities for improvement are almost limitless , and human ingenuity can run wild .


But we know that increasing efficiency alone will not be enough, mostly for three reasons.

But we know that increasing efficiency alone will not be enough , mostly for three reasons .


This means that once something becomes more efficient, it's used more, and so overall the increased efficiency does not lead to a reduction as impressive as you would first think.

This means that once something becomes more efficient , it 's used more , and so overall the increased efficiency does not lead to a reduction as impressive as you would first think .


Or worse, sometimes more efficiency makes humans not use less of a resource, but more of it.

Or worse , sometimes more efficiency makes humans not use less of a resource , but more of it .


When planes became more fuel efficient, ticket prices decreased, and more people started to travel by plane.

When planes became more fuel efficient , ticket prices decreased , and more people started to travel by plane .


So making things more efficient does not automatically mean less energy use in total.

So making things more efficient does not automatically mean less energy use in total .


It might have the opposite effect.


Sometimes when you save money on a thing that's become more efficient, you might spend it elsewhere.

Sometimes when you save money on a thing that 's become more efficient , you might spend it elsewhere .


For example, if you buy a more fuel efficient car, you save money on fuel and end up with extra funds in your bank account that you might spend on a vacation and take a flight with.

For example , if you buy a more fuel efficient car , you save money on fuel and end up with extra funds in your bank account that you might spend on a vacation and take a flight with .


So in the end, you might actually emit more CO2, despite getting a more efficient car.

So in the end , you might actually emit more CO2 , despite getting a more efficient car .


Three, and lastly, the more you optimize for efficiency, the harder and more expensive it becomes to get more efficient.

Three , and lastly , the more you optimize for efficiency , the harder and more expensive it becomes to get more efficient .


So over time, the return on investment slows down.

So over time , the return on investment slows down .


And with many technologies, we are already pretty efficient.

And with many technologies , we are already pretty efficient .


But regardless of how efficient we make our economies, as long as we need at least some energy, we will have emissions.

But regardless of how efficient we make our economies , as long as we need at least some energy , we will have emissions .


Efficiency alone won't create a zero-carbon world.

Efficiency alone wo n't create a zero - carbon world .


This brings us to our last factor.


Humanity's global carbon footprint is the CO2 released per energy unit generated.

Humanity 's global carbon footprint is the CO2 released per energy unit generated .


For example, coal plants release much, much more CO2 than solar power per unit of energy.

For example , coal plants release much , much more CO2 than solar power per unit of energy .


This relationship is crystal clear.


Fossil fuels are the greatest lever humanity has right now.

Fossil fuels are the greatest lever humanity has right now .


Of course, it's impossible to shut down coal and oil overnight without throwing society into chaos.

Of course , it 's impossible to shut down coal and oil overnight without throwing society into chaos .


But the reality is that we're not doing nearly enough to keep fossil fuels in the ground and use lower carbon alternatives.

But the reality is that we 're not doing nearly enough to keep fossil fuels in the ground and use lower carbon alternatives .


We need to do two things to speed the transition away from fossil fuels.

We need to do two things to speed the transition away from fossil fuels .


First, we need to use the real leverage we have today with today's technology.

First , we need to use the real leverage we have today with today 's technology .


There are a lot of things we can do extremely quickly.

There are a lot of things we can do extremely quickly .


We can leave nuclear power plants online longer.

We can leave nuclear power plants online longer .


We can cut subsidies to the fossil fuel industry and funnel them into renewables.

We can cut subsidies to the fossil fuel industry and funnel them into renewables .


We can price carbon emissions harshly and increase the price each year to create strong incentives for the world's industries to transition.

We can price carbon emissions harshly and increase the price each year to create strong incentives for the world 's industries to transition .


We can enforce strict standards for energy efficiency and for any type of new construction.

We can enforce strict standards for energy efficiency and for any type of new construction .


We can phase out fossil fuel vehicles.


Next, we also need to invent new and better technology.

Next , we also need to invent new and better technology .


Without new technologies and innovation, it will be impossible to achieve a zero-CO2 emission world,

Without new technologies and innovation , it will be impossible to achieve a zero - CO2 emission world ,


But innovation takes time, years and decades.

But innovation takes time , years and decades .


And we don't have this time.


Every year we keep adding more carbon to the atmosphere.

Every year we keep adding more carbon to the atmosphere .


This means we can't keep relying on innovation alone.

This means we ca n't keep relying on innovation alone .


We need to find ways to reduce emissions today while we invent what we will need in the future.

We need to find ways to reduce emissions today while we invent what we will need in the future .


The less fossil fuel we burn over the next few years, the more time we give innovation to catch up.

The less fossil fuel we burn over the next few years , the more time we give innovation to catch up .


The more low-carbon energy infrastructure we build today, the more we can compensate for economic growth and the people born today.

The more low - carbon energy infrastructure we build today , the more we can compensate for economic growth and the people born today .


The more coal power plants in construction we stop from being finished, the more CO2 we save.

The more coal power plants in construction we stop from being finished , the more CO2 we save .


Neither innovation nor the alternatives we're using today alone can solve rapid climate change.

Neither innovation nor the alternatives we 're using today alone can solve rapid climate change .


But innovation, together with a decisive move away from fossil fuels where it's possible today, could do it.

But innovation , together with a decisive move away from fossil fuels where it 's possible today , could do it .


Solving climate change will be complicated.

Solving climate change will be complicated .


We have to account for the needs of billions of people and the reality that right now society runs mostly on fossil fuels.

We have to account for the needs of billions of people and the reality that right now society runs mostly on fossil fuels .


This will not change overnight, but it needs to change as quickly as possible.

This will not change overnight , but it needs to change as quickly as possible .


And it is still very much possible.


We'll look at different aspects of climate change and how to solve it in more videos.

We 'll look at different aspects of climate change and how to solve it in more videos .


Let us know what kind of stuff you want to know more about.

Let us know what kind of stuff you want to know more about .


Here on YouTube or join us in our subreddit.

Here on YouTube or join us in our subreddit .


This video is part of a series about climate change supported by Breakthrough Energy,

This video is part of a series about climate change supported by Breakthrough Energy ,


When our vegetarian ancestors started eating meat around 2 million years ago, it wasn't just because animals taste great, it was pure necessity.

When our vegetarian ancestors started eating meat around 2 million years ago , it was n't just because animals taste great , it was pure necessity .


Climate change made many of the plants our ancestors relied on less available, and meat bridged that gap.

Climate change made many of the plants our ancestors relied on less available , and meat bridged that gap .


From the discovery of fire at the latest, meat became a staple of the human diet.

From the discovery of fire at the latest , meat became a staple of the human diet .


But over the last few years, eating meat has increasingly been associated with health risks like heart disease, certain cancers, and an early death.

But over the last few years , eating meat has increasingly been associated with health risks like heart disease , certain cancers , and an early death .


So how unhealthy is meat really?


In this video, we'll only talk about meat.

In this video , we 'll only talk about meat .


Dairy products deserve a video of their own.

Dairy products deserve a video of their own .


Biologically we need to eat for three reasons.

Biologically we need to eat for three reasons .


The energy and most of the materials come from the three macronutrients fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

The energy and most of the materials come from the three macronutrients fats , carbohydrates and proteins .


Proteins are the most important resource for repairing and replenishing our cell structures.

Proteins are the most important resource for repairing and replenishing our cell structures .


The special molecules are a large variety of vitamins and minerals we need to drive metabolic processes.

The special molecules are a large variety of vitamins and minerals we need to drive metabolic processes .


Meat provides us with most of these things.

Meat provides us with most of these things .


It contains all essential amino acids our body needs and a lot of minerals like iron, zinc and essential vitamins, some of which are barely found in plants like vitamin B12.

It contains all essential amino acids our body needs and a lot of minerals like iron , zinc and essential vitamins , some of which are barely found in plants like vitamin B12 .


Only one essential nutrient is missing in most of the meat we consume, vitamin C.

Only one essential nutrient is missing in most of the meat we consume , vitamin C.


It appears in almost all plants and supports our immune system as well as the development of connective tissues.

It appears in almost all plants and supports our immune system as well as the development of connective tissues .


After a few months without it, you'd get scurvy.

After a few months without it , you 'd get scurvy .


But meat has another big advantage.


It's high bioavailability.


Some of the nutrients in meat are broken down faster and available quicker than those from plants.

Some of the nutrients in meat are broken down faster and available quicker than those from plants .


Spinach, for example, contains more iron than meat.

Spinach , for example , contains more iron than meat .


But it's absorbed much slower and the body needs more energy to digest it.

But it 's absorbed much slower and the body needs more energy to digest it .


Several health benefits have also been observed in communities that rely solely on meat.

Several health benefits have also been observed in communities that rely solely on meat .


The Inuit, for example, are able to survive in extreme climate conditions on a purely meat-based diet, if necessary.

The Inuit , for example , are able to survive in extreme climate conditions on a purely meat - based diet , if necessary .


Since they consume the whole animal, including the organs, they get every single nutrient they need, including vitamin C.

Since they consume the whole animal , including the organs , they get every single nutrient they need , including vitamin C.


So meat itself is definitely not dangerous for us.

So meat itself is definitely not dangerous for us .


But its health effects vary, depending on how it's prepared and what animal it comes from.

But its health effects vary , depending on how it 's prepared and what animal it comes from .


When talking about meat in the Western world, we generally mean muscle tissues that have a high nutrient density,

When talking about meat in the Western world , we generally mean muscle tissues that have a high nutrient density ,


The most healthy animals to eat are probably fish.

The most healthy animals to eat are probably fish .


Fish contains polyunsaturated fatty acids like omega-3, which may lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases and support anti-inflammatory immune functions.

Fish contains polyunsaturated fatty acids like omega-3 , which may lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases and support anti - inflammatory immune functions .


As part of a balanced diet, fish can be eaten regularly without worries.

As part of a balanced diet , fish can be eaten regularly without worries .


Eating fish comes with its own bag of complications, though, like overfishing and the destruction of the oceans.

Eating fish comes with its own bag of complications , though , like overfishing and the destruction of the oceans .


We'll talk about that in another video.

We 'll talk about that in another video .


A close second is the most popular meat, chicken.

A close second is the most popular meat , chicken .


It's regarded as the meat with the fewest health risks.

It 's regarded as the meat with the fewest health risks .


The only negative health effect of poultry is a bit controversial, fat.

The only negative health effect of poultry is a bit controversial , fat .


Its high content of saturated fats is associated with a higher cholesterol level and cardiovascular disease.

Its high content of saturated fats is associated with a higher cholesterol level and cardiovascular disease .


But this idea has also been criticized by a large number of scientists, arguing high cholesterol levels might be inherited and not caused by nutrition.

But this idea has also been criticized by a large number of scientists , arguing high cholesterol levels might be inherited and not caused by nutrition .


So in general, if you want meat and are concerned about your health, go for chicken.

So in general , if you want meat and are concerned about your health , go for chicken .


Things start to get problematic with high intakes of red meat like beef, veal, pork, lamb, horse and goat.

Things start to get problematic with high intakes of red meat like beef , veal , pork , lamb , horse and goat .


A recently published study recommends, for example, a maximum of 23 grams of red meat per day, which is a very small steak per week.

A recently published study recommends , for example , a maximum of 23 grams of red meat per day , which is a very small steak per week .


However, large-scale meta-analysis studies have shown that eating 100 grams of red meat every day increases the relative risk of diabetes by 19%, of strokes by 11% and of colorectal cancer by 17%.

However , large - scale meta - analysis studies have shown that eating 100 grams of red meat every day increases the relative risk of diabetes by 19 % , of strokes by 11 % and of colorectal cancer by 17 % .


This sounds alarming, but before we panic, let's have a look at how these studies were conducted.

This sounds alarming , but before we panic , let 's have a look at how these studies were conducted .


Because this brings us to the second big problem when trying to answer the question of whether meat is unhealthy or not.

Because this brings us to the second big problem when trying to answer the question of whether meat is unhealthy or not .


Most studies that linked health risks to eating red meat were case-control studies, which means taking a group of people with a disease and classifying them by their eating habits.

Most studies that linked health risks to eating red meat were case - control studies , which means taking a group of people with a disease and classifying them by their eating habits .


The more red meat they consume, the more likely they were to contract certain diseases.

The more red meat they consume , the more likely they were to contract certain diseases .


The problem is that it's very hard to eliminate other factors.

The problem is that it 's very hard to eliminate other factors .


People who eat less meat tend to live a healthier lifestyle in general.

People who eat less meat tend to live a healthier lifestyle in general .


They tend to eat more vegetables and fruit and are less likely to smoke and drink alcohol.

They tend to eat more vegetables and fruit and are less likely to smoke and drink alcohol .


Most studies try to eliminate these factors, but it's extremely hard to make definitive statements.

Most studies try to eliminate these factors , but it 's extremely hard to make definitive statements .


Things get worse when we look at processed meat, though.

Things get worse when we look at processed meat , though .


Processing meat means adding certain chemicals by curing, smoking, salting or fermenting, or in other words, making it delicious.

Processing meat means adding certain chemicals by curing , smoking , salting or fermenting , or in other words , making it delicious .


Bacon, ham, salami, sausages and hot dogs contain chemicals that are harmful for us, like nitrates and nitrites that can damage the DNA in our digestive system and lead to cancer.

Bacon , ham , salami , sausages and hot dogs contain chemicals that are harmful for us , like nitrates and nitrites that can damage the DNA in our digestive system and lead to cancer .


The WHO reviewed 800 studies over 20 years and concluded that processed meat is strongly linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

The WHO reviewed 800 studies over 20 years and concluded that processed meat is strongly linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer .


Each extra 50 grams of processed meat per day increases your relative risk of cancer by 18%.

Each extra 50 grams of processed meat per day increases your relative risk of cancer by 18 % .


When it comes to cancer risk, processed meat is now in the same category as plutonium, asbestos and smoking.

When it comes to cancer risk , processed meat is now in the same category as plutonium , asbestos and smoking .


The WHO highlights that its research is only about the question of whether or not something causes cancer.

The WHO highlights that its research is only about the question of whether or not something causes cancer .


But processed meat may also significantly increase the chance of suffering from diabetes, strokes and coronary heart diseases.

But processed meat may also significantly increase the chance of suffering from diabetes , strokes and coronary heart diseases .


It also makes a difference what sort of life our meat lived when it was still part of a living being.

It also makes a difference what sort of life our meat lived when it was still part of a living being .


It's common to feed large amounts of antibiotics to livestock in order to prevent diseases which can spread antibiotic resistance.

It 's common to feed large amounts of antibiotics to livestock in order to prevent diseases which can spread antibiotic resistance .


Combined, a high consumption of both red and processed meat could increase your chance of premature death by up to 29%.

Combined , a high consumption of both red and processed meat could increase your chance of premature death by up to 29 % .


This means if your chance of dying is 3% this year, it's now 4%.

This means if your chance of dying is 3 % this year , it 's now 4 % .


This might not sound like a lot, but tiny percentages have a huge impact on societies of millions.

This might not sound like a lot , but tiny percentages have a huge impact on societies of millions .


They also seem harmless until they affect you.

They also seem harmless until they affect you .


To blame meat alone for bad health would be wrong though.

To blame meat alone for bad health would be wrong though .


There is no evidence that the very essence of meat has any negative effect beyond its high fat content.

There is no evidence that the very essence of meat has any negative effect beyond its high fat content .


And even this point is highly contentious.

And even this point is highly contentious .


Just like with many other pleasures in life, sometimes too much of a good thing is harmful.

Just like with many other pleasures in life , sometimes too much of a good thing is harmful .


Most public health agencies suggest cutting meat consumption to 500 grams a week, while studies suggest cutting down processed meat as much as possible.

Most public health agencies suggest cutting meat consumption to 500 grams a week , while studies suggest cutting down processed meat as much as possible .


So if you feast on meat no more than once or twice a week, you should be good.

So if you feast on meat no more than once or twice a week , you should be good .


For most people this already means a drastic change in their diets though.

For most people this already means a drastic change in their diets though .


The average American consumes around almost 1600 grams of meat a week.

The average American consumes around almost 1600 grams of meat a week .


And many of us eat much, much more.


If you're not really sure, make a small note whenever you eat meat for a week or two.

If you 're not really sure , make a small note whenever you eat meat for a week or two .


You'll be surprised how much it really is.

You 'll be surprised how much it really is .


So most people watching this video would benefit from cutting down on meat.

So most people watching this video would benefit from cutting down on meat .


Aside from health concerns, there's still the fact that the meat industry is one of the largest contributors to climate change and has reached a scale where it's impossible to deliver millions of tons of meat and still treat animals with dignity.

Aside from health concerns , there 's still the fact that the meat industry is one of the largest contributors to climate change and has reached a scale where it 's impossible to deliver millions of tons of meat and still treat animals with dignity .


We've already discussed that in detail in another video.

We 've already discussed that in detail in another video .


All in all, in moderation, meat is not unhealthy and you don't need to become vegetarian overnight to have a real impact on your health and the planet.

All in all , in moderation , meat is not unhealthy and you do n't need to become vegetarian overnight to have a real impact on your health and the planet .


But your lifestyle choices do matter.


The key is being open to trying something new once in a while.

The key is being open to trying something new once in a while .


Maybe you'll discover your new favorite dish.

Maybe you 'll discover your new favorite dish .


Until you try, you'll never know what you'll enjoy or what you're capable of.

Until you try , you 'll never know what you 'll enjoy or what you 're capable of .


Maybe after watching hours of Kurzgesagt videos, you've decided you'd like to learn how to animate.

Maybe after watching hours of Kurzgesagt videos , you 've decided you 'd like to learn how to animate .


Now you might not know this, but most of our team actually has a graphic design background.

Now you might not know this , but most of our team actually has a graphic design background .


Learning about design principles first before we got into animation was really key to where we are today.

Learning about design principles first before we got into animation was really key to where we are today .


There's a really great new Skillshare class on using Adobe Illustrator, the software we use to create artwork, by graphic designer Aaron Draplin, and we can personally recommend it.

There 's a really great new Skillshare class on using Adobe Illustrator , the software we use to create artwork , by graphic designer Aaron Draplin , and we can personally recommend it .


It's full of great tips to help understand and simplify a very complicated program.

It 's full of great tips to help understand and simplify a very complicated program .


If you want to do more afterwards, we have three animation courses of our own on Skillshare, too.

If you want to do more afterwards , we have three animation courses of our own on Skillshare , too .


Skillshare offers over 25,000 classes on topics like film and video editing, writing, design and technology from an array of skilled experts.

Skillshare offers over 25,000 classes on topics like film and video editing , writing , design and technology from an array of skilled experts .


With the Premium Membership, you can access all of them for only $10 a month.

With the Premium Membership , you can access all of them for only $ 10 a month .


And, as a bonus, the first 1,000 Kurzgesagt viewers to use the link in the description will get their first two months of Skillshare for free.

And , as a bonus , the first 1,000 Kurzgesagt viewers to use the link in the description will get their first two months of Skillshare for free .


Food is arguably the best thing about being alive.

Food is arguably the best thing about being alive .


No other bodily pleasure is enjoyed multiple times every day and never gets old.

No other bodily pleasure is enjoyed multiple times every day and never gets old .


It's an expression of culture, our parents' love, and a means of celebration or comfort.

It 's an expression of culture , our parents ' love , and a means of celebration or comfort .


That's why it hits a special nerve when we're told we should change what and how we eat to fight rapid climate change.

That 's why it hits a special nerve when we 're told we should change what and how we eat to fight rapid climate change .


One of the most delicious foods, meat, gets the worst press.

One of the most delicious foods , meat , gets the worst press .


It doesn't help that the topic is really hard to properly research yourself and that debates get emotional quickly.

It does n't help that the topic is really hard to properly research yourself and that debates get emotional quickly .


But clearly, science can give us an answer.

But clearly , science can give us an answer .


The reality is, well, it's complicated.

The reality is , well , it 's complicated .


Let's take a look at three climate arguments against meat that are used a lot and see what happens.

Let 's take a look at three climate arguments against meat that are used a lot and see what happens .


One. Does our diet really play that bigger role in climate change?

One . Does our diet really play that bigger role in climate change ?


Feeding billions of people is impossible without causing emissions.

Feeding billions of people is impossible without causing emissions .


Even if someday we have zero-carbon tractors, refrigerators and cookers running on renewable energy, and electric trucks to move our food, there are still unavoidable emissions.

Even if someday we have zero - carbon tractors , refrigerators and cookers running on renewable energy , and electric trucks to move our food , there are still unavoidable emissions .


Rice emits methane.


We cut down forests to make room for pastures and crops.

We cut down forests to make room for pastures and crops .


And we emit nitrous oxide when we use fertilizers and manure.

And we emit nitrous oxide when we use fertilizers and manure .


Worldwide food production is responsible for about 26% of all human-made greenhouse gas emissions, which is unfortunate since food is not optional.

Worldwide food production is responsible for about 26 % of all human - made greenhouse gas emissions , which is unfortunate since food is not optional .


While 26% doesn't sound that bad, it means that even if we extinguish all other sources of emissions today, the emissions from food alone would still use up our entire carbon budget by 2100.

While 26 % does n't sound that bad , it means that even if we extinguish all other sources of emissions today , the emissions from food alone would still use up our entire carbon budget by 2100 .


So no matter how we twist and turn it, food is a real driver of climate change.

So no matter how we twist and turn it , food is a real driver of climate change .


Still, emissions from different food items vary a lot.

Still , emissions from different food items vary a lot .


How do things look when we compare their footprints separately?

How do things look when we compare their footprints separately ?


Food's climate impact is most often based on life-cycle assessments, an analysis that looks at all the emissions of a product throughout its existence,

Food 's climate impact is most often based on life - cycle assessments , an analysis that looks at all the emissions of a product throughout its existence ,


In the most detailed meta-analysis of life-cycle assessments to date, beef emissions stand out at the top.

In the most detailed meta - analysis of life - cycle assessments to date , beef emissions stand out at the top .


On average, a kilogram of beef emits 71 kilograms of CO2 equivalents.

On average , a kilogram of beef emits 71 kilograms of CO2 equivalents .


Lamb is also high at 40 kilograms.


Pork emits 12, and poultry 10 kilograms.

Pork emits 12 , and poultry 10 kilograms .


At the bottom, we have lots of plant-based foods.

At the bottom , we have lots of plant - based foods .


Potatoes, for example, emit around 150 times less than beef.

Potatoes , for example , emit around 150 times less than beef .


The most important aspect of food isn't weight, though, it's nutrient density.

The most important aspect of food is n't weight , though , it 's nutrient density .


A kilogram of beef would keep you alive much longer than a kilogram of potatoes.

A kilogram of beef would keep you alive much longer than a kilogram of potatoes .


So how does the ranking change if we compare emissions per calorie or protein?

So how does the ranking change if we compare emissions per calorie or protein ?


Animal protein is still the most costly for the environment,

Animal protein is still the most costly for the environment ,


and beef and lamb are also outliers in emissions per calorie.

and beef and lamb are also outliers in emissions per calorie .


But is this fair?


After all, not all beef is the same.


There are all sorts of ways to rear cattle, from pure grass-fed to factory farming.

There are all sorts of ways to rear cattle , from pure grass - fed to factory farming .


The worst beef comes in at 105 kilograms of emissions per 100 grams of protein, the best at only 9.

The worst beef comes in at 105 kilograms of emissions per 100 grams of protein , the best at only 9 .


In contrast, most other foods, especially plant-based, have a much narrower spectrum.

In contrast , most other foods , especially plant - based , have a much narrower spectrum .


Still, the best beef is worse than the worst plant.

Still , the best beef is worse than the worst plant .


Okay, but this seems promising.


Can we buy the right beef and lower our emissions?

Can we buy the right beef and lower our emissions ?


2. Does buying local food actually matter?

2 . Does buying local food actually matter ?


Let's stick with beef, since it's such an outlier.

Let 's stick with beef , since it 's such an outlier .


By buying locally, you are trying to avoid emissions from transportation and packaging.

By buying locally , you are trying to avoid emissions from transportation and packaging .


But it turns out these only account for 0.5 to 2% of beef's total emissions.

But it turns out these only account for 0.5 to 2 % of beef 's total emissions .


Actually, transport and packaging combined are only about 11% of all food emissions.

Actually , transport and packaging combined are only about 11 % of all food emissions .


Nearly all food transport emissions are produced over the last few miles, the regional travel on the road supplying the markets and shops in your area.

Nearly all food transport emissions are produced over the last few miles , the regional travel on the road supplying the markets and shops in your area .


International food transport happens mostly on freight ships, which are insanely efficient.

International food transport happens mostly on freight ships , which are insanely efficient .


For example, shipping 1 kilogram of avocados from South America to Europe generates about 0.3 kilograms of CO2 equivalents in transport emissions and around 2.5 kilograms overall,

For example , shipping 1 kilogram of avocados from South America to Europe generates about 0.3 kilograms of CO2 equivalents in transport emissions and around 2.5 kilograms overall ,


while 1 kilogram of beef from your local butcher will come in at 18 kilograms in CO2 equivalents at least.

while 1 kilogram of beef from your local butcher will come in at 18 kilograms in CO2 equivalents at least .


So even when shipped great distances, emissions from almost all plant-based foods cause lower emissions than locally produced animal products.

So even when shipped great distances , emissions from almost all plant - based foods cause lower emissions than locally produced animal products .


Okay, so if transport doesn't play a big role, what causes the vast amounts of emissions from beef then?

Okay , so if transport does n't play a big role , what causes the vast amounts of emissions from beef then ?


By far the largest share of beef emissions consists of methane released directly by the animals.

By far the largest share of beef emissions consists of methane released directly by the animals .


While CO2 hangs around for centuries, methane only stays in the atmosphere for decades.

While CO2 hangs around for centuries , methane only stays in the atmosphere for decades .


But in these short periods it is very powerful.

But in these short periods it is very powerful .


All in all, methane has already caused 23 to 40% of human-made warming so far.

All in all , methane has already caused 23 to 40 % of human - made warming so far .


There's controversy about how bad this is exactly, and we don't want to dive in too deep here, but the way things stand, any kinds of extra emissions are not great.

There 's controversy about how bad this is exactly , and we do n't want to dive in too deep here , but the way things stand , any kinds of extra emissions are not great .


Still, all cows burp and fart to similar degrees.

Still , all cows burp and fart to similar degrees .


What explains the spectrum of beef emissions?

What explains the spectrum of beef emissions ?


There are a couple of things.


It makes a difference if the beef comes from a dairy herd or one dedicated to beef production.

It makes a difference if the beef comes from a dairy herd or one dedicated to beef production .


44% of the world's beef comes from dairy cows, sharing its footprint with dairy products.

44 % of the world 's beef comes from dairy cows , sharing its footprint with dairy products .


Dairy cows tend to get higher quality feed, which makes them grow faster and emit less methane.

Dairy cows tend to get higher quality feed , which makes them grow faster and emit less methane .


Geography also plays a role because it determines which farming methods are possible.

Geography also plays a role because it determines which farming methods are possible .


The worst factor by far is the destruction of forests for farmland.

The worst factor by far is the destruction of forests for farmland .


Not only does this release the CO2 that was bound in the flora, it sets free carbon that was stored in the soil and destroys its ability to store it in the future.

Not only does this release the CO2 that was bound in the flora , it sets free carbon that was stored in the soil and destroys its ability to store it in the future .


This aspect accounts for much of the range of emissions in beef.

This aspect accounts for much of the range of emissions in beef .


The worst emitters are farms burning down rainforest for farmland, especially in Brazil.

The worst emitters are farms burning down rainforest for farmland , especially in Brazil .


There is a sinister truth hidden here.


The more animals suffer, the better they are in terms of climate change because they are way more efficient.

The more animals suffer , the better they are in terms of climate change because they are way more efficient .


They use less land and their food is brought right to them, and so they grow faster and don't expend energy on things like walking.

They use less land and their food is brought right to them , and so they grow faster and do n't expend energy on things like walking .


Cattle in a factory farm that never get to roam pastures can sometimes be less destructive for the climate than cattle grazing peacefully on a formerly lush piece of rainforest.

Cattle in a factory farm that never get to roam pastures can sometimes be less destructive for the climate than cattle grazing peacefully on a formerly lush piece of rainforest .


But isn't it a bit out of touch with reality to demonize cows so much?

But is n't it a bit out of touch with reality to demonize cows so much ?


Some of the land these animals are grazing on isn't suitable for crops anyway.

Some of the land these animals are grazing on is n't suitable for crops anyway .


By grazing on pastures, they can turn things we can't digest into food.

By grazing on pastures , they can turn things we ca n't digest into food .


Isn't farming animals just a smart way to make the best use of unused resources?

Is n't farming animals just a smart way to make the best use of unused resources ?


3. Don't cows mainly use land that we can't use for agriculture or other things?

3 . Do n't cows mainly use land that we ca n't use for agriculture or other things ?


About half of the world's ice and desert-free land is used for agriculture, an area the size of the entire Americas plus China.

About half of the world 's ice and desert - free land is used for agriculture , an area the size of the entire Americas plus China .


Half of all agriculturally used land is dedicated to animals.

Half of all agriculturally used land is dedicated to animals .


Most of it is grassland, 65% of which cannot be converted to cropland.

Most of it is grassland , 65 % of which can not be converted to cropland .


So pasturing animals is actually a very efficient way to use those areas since we can't grow human food there anyway.

So pasturing animals is actually a very efficient way to use those areas since we ca n't grow human food there anyway .


There are a couple of catches here though.

There are a couple of catches here though .


While the idea of cows turning useless grass into steak is nice, it is part of a marketing lie.

While the idea of cows turning useless grass into steak is nice , it is part of a marketing lie .


Even though it is so massive, pastureland alone can't support the ruminants living on it.

Even though it is so massive , pastureland alone ca n't support the ruminants living on it .


Globally, grazing systems sustain only 13% of beef production.

Globally , grazing systems sustain only 13 % of beef production .


So if we were to switch to 100% grass-fed, we'd simply have to eat much less beef.

So if we were to switch to 100 % grass - fed , we 'd simply have to eat much less beef .


In the US, beef production would crash by some 70% if it were to exclusively rely on grass.

In the US , beef production would crash by some 70 % if it were to exclusively rely on grass .


The only way to sustain our high demand for meat is by growing crops and feeding them to our cattle.

The only way to sustain our high demand for meat is by growing crops and feeding them to our cattle .


And we haven't even talked about chicken and pigs, which exclusively eat feed crops.

And we have n't even talked about chicken and pigs , which exclusively eat feed crops .


Because of this feed demand, less than half of the world's cereals are used directly as human food.

Because of this feed demand , less than half of the world 's cereals are used directly as human food .


41% is fed to animals.


The same is true for soy.


There's a lot of talk about Amazon deforestation for soy production, which makes us think of soy milk and tofu.

There 's a lot of talk about Amazon deforestation for soy production , which makes us think of soy milk and tofu .


But only 19% of global soy production goes towards products for humans.

But only 19 % of global soy production goes towards products for humans .


About 77% is used to feed animals.


Besides, land without food crops isn't automatically ecologically useless.

Besides , land without food crops is n't automatically ecologically useless .


A beef-free diet would free up around 2 billion hectares.

A beef - free diet would free up around 2 billion hectares .


A vegan diet would free up around 3 billion hectares of land.

A vegan diet would free up around 3 billion hectares of land .


We could use this land to grow forests or restore wild grasslands.

We could use this land to grow forests or restore wild grasslands .


If we spared 3 billion hectares of land, it could remove about 8 billion tons of CO2 from the air per year.

If we spared 3 billion hectares of land , it could remove about 8 billion tons of CO2 from the air per year .


By comparison, we emit about 50 billion tons of CO2 equivalents per year at the moment.

By comparison , we emit about 50 billion tons of CO2 equivalents per year at the moment .


That means we could save 16% of emissions by eating a vegan diet.

That means we could save 16 % of emissions by eating a vegan diet .


Okay, to summarize, food is a huge driver of emissions.

Okay , to summarize , food is a huge driver of emissions .


Meat, but especially beef, is the worst food in terms of emissions.

Meat , but especially beef , is the worst food in terms of emissions .


Buying locally does not have a big impact on food emissions compared to the type of food you're consuming.

Buying locally does not have a big impact on food emissions compared to the type of food you 're consuming .


When it comes to beef, cattle that are grass-fed can sometimes even be counterproductive because they just need much more land.

When it comes to beef , cattle that are grass - fed can sometimes even be counterproductive because they just need much more land .


Even if you find the most environmentally friendly beef in the world, your burger still comes with a significantly higher carbon footprint than a veggie patty.

Even if you find the most environmentally friendly beef in the world , your burger still comes with a significantly higher carbon footprint than a veggie patty .


You can decide for yourself what you want to do with this information.

You can decide for yourself what you want to do with this information .


In fact, you are always only one decision away from making a change.

In fact , you are always only one decision away from making a change .


You could start learning a new skill or dive into a new interest today.

You could start learning a new skill or dive into a new interest today .


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We have something for you to make it a little easier.

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There's something for everyone, really.

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Since we started working with Skillshare, you, our viewers, have taken over 100,000 hours of classes, including our own three Skillshare classes on how we make our animations.

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