3 June 2024

According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF), the price of limiting climate change has now gone up by nearly 20%. Governments and companies will need to spend an extra $34 trillion (that's 34 with 12 zeroes!), for a total of $215 trillion, on the clean energy transition between now and 2050 to reach net-zero emissions. We know that climate change is already costing billions in natural disasters and that the precarious state of fossil fuels [and food, for that matter], due to international conflict, increase the pricetag.

Fossil fuel companies put off action by aiming to confuse the issue, first denying climate change (which, we now know, they were well aware of all along), then by greenwashing their marginally effective efforts at “clean energy”. And this will cost us all, whether it means we pay more to the companies who develop solutions or pay higher taxes toward federal incentives.

Because this report came from BNEF, it is talking only about energy. But there are other things we can do right now - as consumers - to slow down the oncoming crises. Obviously, the first is being a responsible consumer; REFUSE TO BUY IN to the throw-away culture (because there is no “away”), or, at the very least, be mindful about your purchases. This could mean anything from hanging on to an old cell phone to using a recycled jar to buy bulk foods at the market.

But there is one big thing we could all do to reduce our climate footprint: reduce intake of animal foods, particularly red and processed meats (coincidentally, both of these are classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organization) so it's a win-win for our health and the planet).

But it's so [insert your adjective], you say!

difficult/boring/expensive/time-consuming/nutrient-deficient/restrictive/impossible

So you put it off...

But I'm here to say that the time to start is now!

From the day you start adding more plants to your life, your [gut] microbiome health improves within 2 days! Each time we make food choices that closely follow the Dietary Guidelines, we put pressure on our food system to support this health-promoting way of eating (currently, 41% of US land revolves around livestock, for pasture and feed crops).  Make [at least] half your plate vegetables! Choose a variety of plant foods: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts & seeds. Eat the rainbow! It's all good! It's also pretty easy and very delicious.

There are tons of great resources out there to help you, including this recent article in the New York Times, How to Become a Vegetarian (or Simply Eat More Plants), but if you're looking for a personal guide, nutrition coach, meal prep or menu ideas, please reach out.

NEW: I'm now offering limited slots to local clients for a complimentary Walk & Talk with me (we both get exercise and fresh air and you get some personalized tips and empowerment).