Power generation and transportation are huge contributors to climate change, but did you know that what we eat every day is also a big contributor to damaging carbon emissions? Yet this problematic area is seldom talked about. There is plenty of scientific evidence that shows the damaging effects on human health and on the environment, of a diet heavy on red meat and refined grains.

The EAT-Lancet commission, composed of distinguished scientists from all parts of the world, reported on the effect of diet on the environment, and notes that without changes to world dietary patterns, we will fail to meet Paris Agreement goals on emission reduction. The commission details a healthy diet based largely on fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and nuts. The recommended diet would greatly reduce environmental damage.

Dr. Walter Willett, a co-chair of the commission talked with me about the report, which has, not surprisingly, seen a lot of opposition from the beef and cattle industry.