The True Cost of Meat: Environmental Impacts of Industrial Animal Agriculture

Concentrated animal feedlots supply most of the meat that we eat on a daily basis. There has been a lack of communication and research on the environmental impacts of concentrated animal feedlot operations (CAFOs) and the communities that are most exposed to them. Because so many are in the dark about where their food comes from, consumers do not make their more informed decisions. Crowded animals, caked in their own feces, are raised quickly and in a cost-effective manner. The industrialization of meat production has allowed us to produce beyond our natural limit in exchange for water quality, air quality, available land, and deforestation. Growing meat demand has risen steadily since the introduction of industrial animal agriculture methods like these large-scale feedlots, and it is expected to continue to rise in the future. In order to avoid irreversible environmental degradation, our eating habits need to change. If the demand for meat falls globally, then CAFOs will no longer be able to run. This economic development report proposes to implement a comprehensive education program about factory farming to be piloted in the most obese county in America (McDowell, West Virginia) and the capital of the state with the largest meat consumption (Helena, Montana). This program will target the future consumers of America and involve hands-on lessons taught in schools by service members. Research shows that CAFOs are harmful to the environment and will continue to grow in number and size unless we change our behaviors. Educating people about the externalities of industrial agriculture is the first step in behavior change.

This story map focuses on the environmental impacts of CAFOs, and their concentration on minority communities. It also shows the two locations where I would like to pilot my education program. This map serves to teach viewers that the way we currently produce our food is not sustainable. Click here to educate yourself on the dangers of our modern day food systems!