- Published: November 17, 2021
- Updated: November 17, 2021
- University / College: Pennsylvania State University
- Level: Intermediate School
- Language: English
- Downloads: 30
Beef: The “ King” of the Big Water Footprints Summary The article attempts to analyze a ment by Prince Charles of Wales about the water footprint in beef production, in the United States. According to Charles, the United States uses about 2000 gallons of water to produce a pound of beef. The prince is of the opinion that the Earth cannot keep up with the water demands (Olson-Sawyer). Throughout the paper, the author reviews the research that has been done in the past about water footprint in beef production and pointing out the limitations in the various research methods used. One of the most important fact noted by the researcher is that the majority of the research was conducted before the development of the water footprint concept. Finally, the author states that the findings of the Water Footprint Network are more accurate since techniques that are more rigorous were used to establish the water footprint in beef production.
Biases in the Article
The GRACE Communications Foundation is an organization that focuses on innovative strategies that increase public awareness about water, food, and energy systems in an effort to promote sustainability, in the future. Since one of the organization’s aims is water conservation, the author may have been biased when reporting on the amount of water used in beef production, as this would be used to criticize the effectiveness of the organization.
Statement of Skepticism
The author does not take into account other methods used in America to conserve water and replace the water used in beef production.
Valuable Material from the Article
The United States need to establish ways of conserving the amount of water used in beef production. Citizens should consume other foods that have much lower water footprint in an effort to conserve water (Olson-Sawyer).
Question from the Discussion
How would the United States continue to produce beef and reduce its water footprint at the same time?
Work Cited
Olson-Sawyer, Kai. Beef: The King of the Big Water Footprints. 1 August 2011. 7 May 2014. .
