ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Environmental impact of meat production

Factories that produce meat and other animal products can have a really big impact on the environment. One of the biggest issues is global warming. This happens because factories use a lot of energy to produce animal products. This energy usually comes from burning fossil fuels like coal and oil, and the burning of these fuels releases gases like carbon dioxide into the air. These gases trap heat inside the Earth's atmosphere and this increases the temperature of the planet. In addition, raising animals for meat and animal products needs a lot of land and water. The land is often cleared for use as pastures for animals, which can reduce the amount of forests, which are important for absorbing carbon dioxide from the air and keeping the planet cooler. The extra water used to raise animals can also contribute to water pollution.