A U.K. University Has Banned Beef — All in the Name of Climate Change: 'We Face a Defining Moment'

In an effort to fight climate change, beef will no longer be an option on the menu at Goldsmiths, University of London,the school announced Monday.

“Declaring a climate emergency cannot be empty words,” Corner said inher statement.She continued, “I truly believe we face a defining moment in global history and Goldsmiths now stands shoulder to shoulder with other organizations willing to call the alarm and take urgent action to cut carbon use.”

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In addition to the beef ban, the school is introducing a tax on bottled water and single use plastic cups to discourage their usage. The proceeds will be “directed into a green initiative fund.”

Beef is responsible for 41 percent of livestock greenhouse gas emissions globally,CNNreported, and livestock for 14.5 percent of total global emissions.

Current data from Goldsmith shows that the school emits around 3.7m Kg of carbon emissions each year, according to thereport.

“Though I have only just arrived at Goldsmiths, it is immediately obvious that our staff and students care passionately about the future of our environment and that they are determined to help deliver the step change we need to cut our carbon footprint drastically and as quickly as possible,” Corner said.

source: people.com