environmental issues and economics of food production Flashcards
What is one health
“The collaborative effort of multiple disciplines – working locally, nationally and globally – to attain optimal health for people, animals and the environment”
What is a one health approach
“Designing and implementing programmes, policies, legislation and research in which multiple sectors work together to achieve optimal public health outcomes”
Why is a one health approach important
Targeted legislation (both animal and human)
Improving environment (battery cages, rats etc)
Human behaviour (incentives, penalties)
Animal health and welfare (vaccination, env enrichment)
What are the environmental impacts of livestock
What is the air impact of livestock
What is the soil impact of livestock
What is the water impact of livestock
What is the energy impact of livestock
What is the biodiversity impact of livestock
What are some evolutionary measures for food production
Modifying existing systems.
Circular system design.
Green Shed Project (SRUC)
Methane mitigation strategies
What are some revolutionary alternatives for food production
cultured meat
microbial protein
What are the primary environmental impacts of livestock production?
Pollution of land, water, and air; reduction of biodiversity; and disease vulnerability due to industrialized farming practices.
What zoonotic pathogens are commonly found in manure?
Pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, and others linked to disease outbreaks
What are the approved methods for managing poultry manure in the UK?
Spread on land (requires permits and grazing restrictions).
Process as fertilizer (with APHA approval).
Store and transport offsite (requires APHA compliance).
What are the environmental risks of carcass disposal methods like pyre burning and burial?
Pyre burning releases air pollutants; burial can contaminate groundwater.
What is the “Livestock Revolution” as described by the FAO?
A global increase in livestock production driven by middle-income countries, decoupled from local resource constraints.
What is a ‘negative externality’ in livestock production?
Costs incurred by third parties due to livestock production, such as environmental degradation and public health issues.
What were key lessons from the 2001 UK foot-and-mouth disease crisis?
The importance of preparedness, effective disposal methods, and balancing rapid carcass disposal with environmental protection.
What is ‘Doughnut Economics’?
An economic model focusing on sustainability, equitable resource use, and integrating welfare into economic goals.
What are proposed changes in economic goals for sustainability?
Taxing food waste, reducing subsidies, promoting urban agriculture, and realistic pricing.
