The issue I chose is factory farming.
The author of the first article believes that factory farming is an environmental hazard. The author believes this because the manure produced by factory farms locally pollutes the air and water around them and release pathogens such as E coli. On a global scale, the author believes that methane emissions and producing the food needed to feed these animals are one of the causes of climate change.
Conversely, the author of the second article believes that factory farming is not a major cause of climate change.
The author of the second article believes that factory farming is a positive thing. They state that factory farming is not a major cause of carbon emissions. Additionally, they say that meat is both good and healthy to eat, and one of the reasons we are living longer, so doing away with factory farming would do more harm than good. Also, many people are fed with the use of factory farms.
In conclusion, both sides have valid points. I agree that factory farming is a major pollutant and cause of climate change. The first article makes a more compelling argument about this issue, and this article is better supported by the facts. The second article contains more opinion than fact, and seems highly biased. While the second article makes a good point in that factory farming has allowed us to feed many people, it is not sustainable.
Sources:
Hauter, Wenonah. “Factory Farming Is an Environmental Hazard.” Gale Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection, Gale, 2019. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/GZBVFM521888465/OVIC?u=onlinelibrary&sid=OVIC&xid=0726f21b. Accessed 24 Oct. 2019. Originally published as “What Fossil Fuels and Factory Farms Have in Common,” Yes! Magazine, 30 May 2018.
https://www.yesmagazine.org/planet/what-fossil-fuels-and-factory-farms-have-in-common-20180529
Smith, Rod. “Meat Production’s Contribution to Climate Change Is Exaggerated.” The Environment, edited by Lynn M. Zott, Greenhaven Press, 2014. Opposing Viewpoints. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/EJ3010132410/OVIC?u=onlinelibrary&sid=OVIC&xid=7a37f028. Accessed 24 Oct. 2019. Originally published as “Meat Production Efficient, Safe: Livestock Casts a Short Shadow, and Meat Is Not Only Safe but Has Stimulated a Genetic Change That Lets People Live Long Lives,” Feedstuffs, 29 Jan. 2010.
