McCartney in meat-free Monday drive
Sir Paul McCartney has appealed for "people power" to make the difference in the fight against global warming.
In an article he says cutting out meat consumption one day a week can have a major impact on reducing CO2 emissions.
Sir Paul, who takes his "Meat-free Monday" campaign to Brussels this week, uses an interview in Parliament Magazine to insist that halving UK household meat consumption would do more to reduce emissions than halving the use of private transport.
The estimate, by Compassion in World Farming, is central to a crusade Sir Paul began last June and will continue on Thursday at a European Parliament conference also being attended by UN climate change chief Dr Rajendra Pachauri.
Just days before the marathon UN climate change conference begins in Copenhagen, the former Beatle's involvement ensures maximum exposure for a "Less Meat = Less Heat" initiative which is gathering momentum.
Writing in the Brussels-based Parliament Magazine, Sir Paul says: "Whilst we press politicians to pass global laws to reduce carbon emissions, we should not forget our individual capacity to act in ways that will help to fight climate change - such as limiting the eating of meat.
"Having one designated meat-free day a week is a meaningful change that everyone can make."
He goes on: "Making just one day a week a meat-free day really is the little thing that can make a big difference. On December 3 I will take this message to the heart of Europe, to a major international conference at the European Parliament.
"I will appeal to world leaders converging on Copenhagen for the climate change talks to remember that sustainable food policy is an essential weapon in the fight against global warming. Each should remember that eating less meat can stop global warming and help to feed the world."
Sir Paul says global livestock production currently comprised about 18% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions and could double by 2050.
Press Association
