Congress' Jairam Ramesh makes anti-beef & pro-vegeterian pitch to combat climate change

Participating in a discussion on ecosystem of Western Ghats at Krithi International Book Fair in Kochi on Wednesday, senior Congress leer Jairam Ramesh highlighted importance of opting a vegetarian lifestyle. He held beef industry responsible for contributing to global warming. Ramesh buttressed his claim by mentioning that forests were being cut down in nations such as US, Brazil, and Argentina to make room for cattle.  

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Citing studies showing cattle link to greenhouse gas methane, Ramesh at same time ackwledged that beef curry was an important component of a person’s diet in Kerala. However, he reiterated that carbon footprint of a n-vegetarian diet was more than that of a vegetarian diet.  

Jairam Ramesh remarked, "I have always held this view that if you want to do something on global warming, become a vegetarian.” He ded, “I kw that beef curry is a very important element in Kerala's diet. But re is doubt in my mind that carbon footprint of a n-vegetarian diet is greater than carbon footprint of a vegetarian diet.”  

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Influence behind vegetarianism

Subsequently, Ramesh ded a caveat that food was associated with lifestyle. Claiming that Indians in ancient times were n-vegetarians, he contended that Indians turned vegetarians probably due to influence of Jainism and Buddhism. Congress leer also ted that Indians referred to term ‘n-veg’ in a different way than Americans.  

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leership role of women in environmental movements

During discussion, Congress leer appreciated leership role played by women in environmental movements in India. Ramesh cited Chipko movement as an example. ditionally, he recalled positive impact of Silent Valley movement, Athirappally movement and Narma Bachao Andolan in raising public consciousness. Moreover, he expressed his optimism on more young women taking le on issues concerning environment. 

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(With PTI inputs)