Cattle ranching with a lower environmental cost: a challenge between the personal and the political

Abstract

The problem of livestock is complex due to its multiscale, multitemporal, and multisectoral dimensions. This article aims to contribute to the discussion on livestock in its political and individual dimensions, starting from the available evidence of its environmental and social effects in the world and landing in the context of the Mexican tropics. We identify crossroads. On the one hand, we show the existing initiatives around a more responsible production and consumption (silvopastoral systems and dietary changes). On the other, we address the necessary actions at the individual and political level to promote sustainable livestock (regulation laws, informative campaigns, less meat consumption, economic incentives, technological improvements). Finally, we point out that politicians and society's active participation is essential so that the only sustainable path we have will be not an alternative: transformation.