Paul McCartney backs 'Meat Free Monday' to cut carbon emissions

Former Beatle, Chris Martin and Sheryl Crow launch campaignto reduce meat consumption to tackle climate change

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Paul McCartney already supports the animal rights group Peta. Photograph: Peta

SirPaul McCartneyhas followed in the footsteps ofthe world's leading climate scientistand asmall Belgian townby calling on people to go meat-free one day a week and cutcarbon emissions.

Backed by celebrities ranging from Chris Martin to Sheryl Crow, McCartney today launched hisMeat Free Mondaycampaign asking households to cut out meat on Mondays and slow global warming.

"I think many of us feel helpless in the face of environmental challenges, and it can be hard to know how to sort through the advice about what we can do to make a meaningful contribution to a cleaner, more sustainable, healthier world," said McCartney. "Having one designated meat free day a week is actually a meaningful change that everyone can make, that goes to the heart of several important political, environmental and ethical issues all at once."

Reducing meat consumption didn't just slowclimate change, he said, but would help to fight global hunger and improve the welfare of animals.

Last year the world's leading authority on climate change, Dr Rajendra Pachauri,told the Observer that going meat-free once a week was the "most attractive" wayfor individuals to reduce emissions. Earlier this year The Guardian revealed thathospitals in the NHS were taking meat off menusas part of a strategy to cut greenhouse gas emissions, while just last month the Belgian town ofGhent announced plansto make every Thursday a meat-free day.

The links between meat and climate change have been well-known for several years. AUN study in 2006 showedthat the livestock industry was responsible for a staggering 18% of man's global greenhouse gas emissions, partlybecause of deforestation in the Amazon.

McCartney's meat-free mission will be supported by several high-profile chefs, includingGiorgio LocatelliandYotam Ottolenghi, who have createdvegetarian recipes for the campaign's website.Linda McCartney Foodsis also promoting the message, whileOliver Peytonand other restaurant owners will be highlighting meat-free dishes. The ongoing campaign hopes in future to measure the number of people switching to meat-free Mondays and reducing CO2 emissions.

McCartney's move follows last week's government reshuffle that now sees two vegetarians, Jim Fitzpatrick and Hilary Benn, holding the two most senior positions at the Department for Environment,Foodand Rural Affairs.