Impacts of Meat Production on Environmental Sustainability

The research paper investigates the dual impact of meat processing on environmental sustainability and human health in Canada. It delves into how livestock production contributes to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions, discusses public health risks posed by processed meats, and evaluates food safety concerns like microbial contamination. Additionally, it explores sustainable practices within the industry that could reduce these negative impacts. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of meat processing in Canada and propose pathways toward more sustainable and health-conscious practices.

Running Head: ENVIRONMENT ECONOMICS
Environment Economics
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author note

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Introduction
The food processing industry holds third position in the list of manufacturing industries
in Canada. In terms of value added and shipment, the most important industry is the industry or
processed meat. Processed meat constitutes one third of total exported food. The industry
provides larger employment to people engaged in food processing industry. The red meat
processing industry in Canada employs more than 46,000 people. In every region of Canada
meat processing is an important activity especially in Quebec and Prairie Province. The supply
management system in Canada helps to distribute meats across all provinces and at an
approximated proportion of total demand in consumer market.
The processed meat industry though has taken an important place in the economy but it
has adverse impact on other sphere of economics. The intensive livestock business affects the
cattle species and results in reduction in number and hence an ecological imbalances. Diets
containing high shares of meat lead to several diseases and raises possibility of cancer. Excessive
gazing and harmful gas emitted during meat processing detrimental effect on environment (De
Smet and Vossen). The paper presents a narrative essay on processed meat industry in Canada
and its impact on species, people and the health, environment and national and regional
economy.
Cattle farming and its impact on species
Meat industry is the largest based on animal agriculture. With expansion of non-
vegetarian diet, the farming occupies majority of landmass. As a result, species rich in habitats
are now destroying. The large-scale agriculture of animals results in extinction or destruction of
species and creates dead zones in ocean. Most of the farm animals are first domesticated and

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then killed for supplying meat. This practice gradually reduces the number of animals and
creates threats of species extinction. The ocean dean zones are areas under the ocean with a very
low proportion of oxygen. The dead zones are created from the extensive pollution caused by
human activity. Pollutants released in water from bathing and excretion waste from farm
animals. Increasing proportion of pollutants in water reduces the amount of oxygen in water
creating dead Zones. Agribusiness of animals has already occupied 40 percent landmass of earth
and 75 percent deforestation globally (Porter et al.). The animal agribusiness hampers the
balance of marine life as well. The water pollution resulted from intensive farming is a reason for
death of many ocean animals and disturbs the ecological balance.
The excessive meat production in Canada leads to declining number of habitat like beef
and other animals used for red meat industry.
Impact on people
The meat-based diet is a source of high protein. People are shifting their food habit from
vegetarian to a non- vegetarian one. Meats are not only intake for full course meal but also are
used for different tasty snacks. However, too much dependency on meat diet brings health
hazards (Boada, Henríquez-Hernández and Luzardo). As people’s dietary habit shift towards a
meat based diet the possibilities of diseases like high cholesterol, pressure and other diseases
increases. These the root of many diseases and even cause life risk.
World Health Organization reports that eating meat daily increases the risk of cancer.
Frequent intake of hot dogs, corned beef, sausages and beef jerky increases the colorectal cancer
probability. The processed meat is also linked with heart diseases. Processed meats refer to meat
that are preserved by curing, smoking, drying, salting or canning. To preserve meat harmful

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chemicals are usedthat have negative impact on health (Clonanet al.). For preserving meat one of
the chemicals used is N-nitroso. This element contains substances that can cause cancer. This
substance is formed from Sodium nitrite used for persevering pink or red color of meat, to give
the processed meat additional flavor and prevent bacteria growth. These risks are not usually
present with fresh meat. However, excessive consumption of both is harmful for health.
Processed meat is associated with several chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, Bowel
and stomach cancer, obstructive pulmonary disease or heart problems.
Impact on Environment
In a report published by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization indicates
Livestock is a great threat to environment. The production of Livestock causes climate change
by greenhouse gas emission even greater than motor vehicles (Giaouriset al.). The production of
meat is one of the main contributors of harmful green house gas. In addition to carbon dioxide
emission extensive farming is also responsible for emitting nitrous oxide and methane. The
primary source of methane is stored manure and fermentation of ruminants. Carbon dioxide gas
is released from energy uses and burning of fossils fuels in firms. Globally it accounts 18% of
greenhouse gas emission induced from human activity. It is also responsible for causing
degradation of land and water. The farm animals are grazed in fields and intensive grazing leads
to removal of upper layer of soil causing soil erosion and land degradation. The environment
degradation is not only resulted from emission of gases like methane and manure but also
hamper ecological balance. In order to increase arable lands for feeding crops deforestation is
increasing at a rapid pace. The adverse impact on environment is realized in terms of destruction
of rain forest, pollution, loss of water, soil erosion and acid rain.
Explosion of farm animal offset people

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A worldwide explosion of farm animals is realized to meet the growing demand for diet
based on farm animal. From 1950 to 1994, globally meat production has accounted fourfold
increase. The rate is higher than growth of human population during this period (Johnston,
Jessica and Bruce ). The overpopulation of farm animals creates pressure on earth’s resources.
Both the farm animals and human depends on nature for their basic need.
In Canada, the growth rate of farm animals and that of people are four to one. Studies
find on any given day, there are nearly 14.6 million cattle dairy and beef, 96 million chickens, 13
million pigs and 8 million turkeys alive. In contrast to this statistics, the number of people alive
is 30 million. The domesticated animals absorb resources to satisfy their basic need through
grazing land and feed crops (Bustillo-Lecompteand Mehrab ).
Processed meat is the largest food industry in Canada. In 1994, the meat’s shipment
worth of 9.5 billion dollar. In manufacturing industry, it stands third next after motor vehicle and
oil industries (Arcand et al.).
Climate change
The emission of greenhouse gas from farming is highly responsible for global climate
change (Currie et al.). The increasing proportion of green house gas increases global temperature
contributing to global warming. A shift towards plant-based diet is recommended to counter
adverse impact of climate change.
Use of water
In order to grow crops to feed animals, considerable amount of water is required. Water
is also required for cleaning farm factory and for water to animals to drink. The production of 1-
poundbeef requires 2400 gallons water (Narvaez‐Bravo et al.). By relying on vegetarian diet, it is

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possible to save 219,000 gallons water every year. The water gets polluted from waste
discharged by animals. When chemicals used in the processed meat mixes with water, then water
get contaminated.
Pollution
Farm animals raise more excretion than human. According to Environmental Protection
Agency in Canada showed the factory farms in Canada every year entails 500 million tons
manures. With no arrangement for sewage to processed plants, the manures are stored in small
water land near the factory farms called lagoons or sprayed over the fields (Huang et al). The
runoff water from fields mixes with lakes and rivers and causes water pollution. The virus and
bacteria carries off to ground water and make it contaminated.
Agriculture versus wilderness
Using more land for grazing or feeding animals creates environmental problem
associated with modern agriculture (Sheppard andBittman). In central Canada much prairies land
have been already lost. In the Sothern Prairies of Canada 115,000 cattle are roamed about. Cows,
buffalo and Elk are most common animals used in the meat industry. The animal husbandry and
processed meat industry uses a major share of prairies land causing damages to the land.
Excessive use of energy
The steady supply of meat in the meat processed industry demands a major share of
energy that is used in agriculture. Studies reveal that production of meat need 10 to 20 times
more energy than that required for grain production (Herforthand Ahmed). The animal products
demand more energy for being processed, packed and refrigeratethan vegetarian food.

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Economic impact of processed meat industry in Canada
The meat-processed industry has significant contribution in the economy. The sector
provides direct employment to many people in the economy. In the processed food industry, the
single sector accounts for major employment. However, the economic impact of the industry is
not limited to employment only but it extends far beyond (Moubarac et al). The industry has
considerable contribution in providing jobs for both urban and rural Canada. The vast meat
industry is an important though indirect channel for marketing Canadian farm products. In
Canada, there are opportunities for direct sales for food grain, oilseed producers and for livestock
farmers. The meat industry provides indirect job opportunities for in the related industries such
as those offer equipment, related product and services to the processor of meat. Another related
business for processed food industry is the availability of transport. Based on this industry
indirect jobs are created in rail, truck and air transportation.
However, total meat purchase in Canada varies slightly in different years based on the
supply variation, price and demand least change in the trend is observed for the past three
decades (Dyer et al). During the last three decades per capita consumption of nutritious and
wholesome meat product remain almost unchanged. In 1982, the average consumption of meat
in Canada was 75.39 kilogram, which in 2011 is recorded as 75.38 kilograms.
Methodology
In the form of narrative essay the methodology adapted is to phrase relevant journal
articles and research papers. The purpose of the paper is to present a narrative essay on effect of
processed meat production. Meat production is one of the important industries for the economy.
In addition to its economic valuation, the industry has prolonged impact on cattle species, health

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of people and even causes permanent damage to environment. The effect of meat industry is not
limited to a specific country. The global scenario is first evaluated and then it is linked with
Canada.Economic journals, research papers and official journals are used for narrating economic
and environmental impact of the specific industry.
Analysis
The meat processing industry takes an important place in Canadian economy. In the
industry there are large number of small producers of sausages and smoked meats. This makes
available many operating posts in the industry. Currently the industry employs 28% of all the
people engaged in food processing (Preston). For any economy the status of employment is an
important indicator of overall economic condition. By providing huge employment the sector
appears as a crucial sector for Canadian economy.
Figure 1: Share of employment in Canadian agriculture
(Source:Harris)
Chicken, beef and other red meat industry needs steady supply of these animals. Killing
of these animals leads to a decline in the number of available species. The industrial production

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is not limited to meet domestic demand. A large export market is available for the industrial
output. The rapid expansion of the industry creates increasing demand for farm animals. The rate
of decline in their number outpaces the birth of newly born animals (Sarkwaet al.). The animals
are given high protein food items for better supply of meat. This often creates various diseases
among them and affects their reproductive capacity. The natural system of food chain is
hampered and so is the ecological balance. In addition to already existing factors behind species
extinction and endangered species in Canada the processed meat industry attributes to further
declining habitats and endangering animals’ life.
People food habit is now more oriented towards a non vegetarian diet. They prefer to
have dishes prepared with meat in their meals as well as for snacks. To meet the demand
processed meat is now available in most of the market and groceries. Demand is also coming
from restaurant to prepare different dishes using this. However, large intake of meat items has
adverse impact on health. High protein is generally source of heart diseases. It also causes high
blood pressure and other chronic diseases (Frisk). This type of diet is a possible source not only
for chronic diseases but also disease that put life risk like cancer. In the processed meats different
harmful chemicals are used that are sources of various health hazards.
The effect of meat industry on natural resource and environment is not limited to its
impact on species extinction or declining number of farm animals. The activity has severe impact
on other environmental aspects. Global climate change is a matter of severe concern for
environmentalists. The greenhouse gas emitted from different industrial activity, smoke from
motor vehicles and others are responsible for causing global warming (Legesseet al.). However,
the animal agriculture accounts for rapid emission of such harmful gases and rapidly deteriorate
climate. The grazing of farm animals put pressure on land. The intensive use of land grazing

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makes it unproductive and hence leaves fewer lands available for agricultural production. The
animal business also requires lots of water for drinking of animals, cleaning farms and growing
grains for feeding them. Water pollution which is a byproduct of animal farming leads to
misbalance of marine life as well.
Considering the detrimental effect of meat industry on environment and on health of
common people food habit of people has to be changed. The health and environment ministry in
Canada recommends for shifting to a diet rich in vegetables and fruits and less of meat (Soladoye
et al). This will help to achieve the twin objective of improving health condition and
environment protection. The department reported that the present system of food is very much
energy intensive. The beef production creates environmental pressure through generating
methane gas that affects the climate. When people consume less meat then they intake less
energy and therefore reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and some types of cancers.
Conclusion
The paper is a form of narrative essay tracing the effect of processed meat industry. The
industry of processed meat spread worldwide and affects the global environment. In Canada it is
the third largest manufacturing industry generating huge employment in the economy. The fast
expansion of meat industry leads to species extinction or declining species by reducing the
number of farm animals. The intensive farming of animals results in environment degradation by
putting excessive pressure on different natural resources. During meat production harmful
methane gas is produced. This is one of the greenhouse gases responsible for climate change.
Additionally, this leads to air, water and land pollution and affect bio diversity. Not only land
animals are affected but also the aquatic animals are affected. Diet including more meat creates
trouble for health and considered as the source of various diseases. In order to address this issue

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people in Canada are advised to include more vegetables and fruits to save the environment and
avoid health troubles.

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