Sustentabilidade à mesa: impactos ambientais do consumo da carne

Abstract

The aim of this research was to examine the environmental degradation resulting from the consumption of animal meat, assessing its repercussions on all spheres of the environment, including human, plant and animal life. It sought to identify alternatives to mitigate or stop its consumption, with the aim of promoting a basis for achieving planetary sustainability. The guiding question was: What negative environmental impacts are associated with the pattern of animal meat consumption, and what strategies and alternatives can be identified and implemented to promote a more ethical and sustainable food system?. To arrive at the answer to the problem, the methodology adopted was based on the methodological quadrinomial of approach, basic theory, procedure and technique. The research followed a systemic-complex approach, recognizing that a system transcends its individual parts, emphasizing the understanding of the interactions between these elements. In addition, a deductive approach was applied, starting with a broad analysis of the adverse impacts of meat consumption and, from this perspective, directing the investigation towards alternatives that would mitigate the impacts and promote sustainability. Bibliographic research was the procedural technique used, exploring books, scientific articles, theses and dissertations relevant to the topic. Authors such as Enrique Leff, Leonardo Boff, José Eli Veiga, Peter Singer, Tagore Trajano de Almeida Silva and others were consulted to support the basic theory, covering legal, environmental, social, political and economic aspects. The study was also divided into two chapters. In the first, a critical analysis of meat consumption was carried out, contextualizing it within the debates on sustainability and the contemporary environmental crisis. It highlighted negative impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, disrespect for animal life, food insecurity, food waste, world hunger, excessive water use, among others. In the second chapter, the research focused on possible strategies and alternatives for reducing or stopping meat consumption. The perspective was addressed in areas of law such as environmental, animal and consumer law, as well as other multidisciplinary perspectives. It was concluded that environmental audits, tthe advancement of animal law, environmental education, the encouragement of sustainable diets, restrictions on meat advertising, the monitoring of misleading, revision of rural credit policy, tax reductions, among others, can be solutions to reduce the environmental impacts of meat consumption, contributing to the sustainability of the Earth.