As the summer sun blazes down with unprecedented intensity, cities across the United States are grappling with record-breaking temperatures. From Los Angeles to New York, heat waves have put millions of people under heat warnings, with temperatures soaring into the 110s in some areas. The situation is dire: Palm Springs recently hit an all-time high of 124 degrees, while Death Valley shattered records with a scorching 128 degrees.

What’s behind this relentless rise in temperature? The answer lies not just in the usual suspects, such as transportation and manufactured goods, but a frequently overlooked and incredibly destructive contributor: factory farming, the most environmentally damaging industry in the world.

This summer’s oppressive heat isn’t just an anomaly. It’s a stark reminder of the rapidly changing climate, driven by human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The mechanism is simple yet devastating.  Factory farms burn fossil fuels, including those used in agriculture, which adds greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane, into our atmosphere. These gases trap heat energy, raising average temperatures and making extreme heat events more frequent and severe.

Factory farming is a significant, yet frequently ignored, contributor to this crisis. The production of fertilizers for animal feed crops alone emit approximately 41 million metric tons of CO2 each year. Moreover, the entire process of raising livestock—from feeding to processing—produces substantial amounts of methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than CO2 in terms of its heat-trapping capability.

The statistics are staggering: Compared to a meat-eater, a person who follows a vegan diet produces 50 percent less CO2 and uses 1/11th of the oil, 1/13th of the water, and 1/18th of the land. These figures highlight the impact that dietary choices have on our planet’s health.

The connection between factory farming and climate change is clear. Large-scale livestock operations require massive amounts of feed, which in turn necessitates the extensive use of fertilizers and fossil fuels. The entire supply chain, from growing feed crops to processing meat, is energy-intensive and inefficient. Methane emissions from livestock and manure further exacerbate the greenhouse effect, accelerating global warming and contributing to the severe weather patterns we’re experiencing now.

Addressing the climate crisis requires a multifaceted approach. Reducing our reliance on factory farming is a crucial step. Transitioning to plant-based diets can significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water, and reduce land use. Additionally, supporting sustainable farming practices and renewable energy sources can help mitigate the environmental impact of agriculture.

As we endure yet another sweltering summer, it’s essential to recognize the role of factory farming in fueling these extreme heat waves. By making conscious choices about what we eat and how we produce food, we can help combat climate change and pave the way for a cooler, more sustainable future. The power to make a difference is on our plates—let’s use it wisely.

By Charlotte Henes