[The Independent]

If everyone in the UK went vegetarian or vegan it would have the same
environmental benefit as talking half of all cars off the road,
according to new research. Scientists have calculated the impact of 61
foods, with fresh meat and cheese topping the carbon footprint league.

They estimate that the combined greenhouse gas emissions from the
foods we eat in the UK are the equivalent of 167 million tons of
carbon dioxide, and switching to vegetarian diets could cut this by
between 22 and 26 per cent.

Professor Nick Hewitt of Lancaster University, who carried out the
research, said: "Our analysis shows that informed dietary choices can
make a significant difference to greenhouse gas – reducing
food-related emissions by around a quarter – with additional health
benefits."

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full story:
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/vegetarian-diet-would-slash-britains-carbon-footprint-6423173.html