Boris Johnson may cycle to work at his London mayoral office but he is distinctly un-green when it comes to losing a stone in weight. When UN climate chief Dr Rajendra Pachauri suggested a meat-free day each week as the most effective way to tackle climate change, Boris said he would eat meat only on one day a week but it would be a "vast Homeric barbecue" of chops, sausages, burgers and offal. He would call it Pachauri Day.
I have news for Boris: by not eating meat for a couple of months I've lost more than a stone (6.35kg) and I have discovered fascinating and healthy cuisine from around the globe. David Cameron is rightly credited with 'greening' the Conservative Party, but I have advocated organic food production since the 70s and in 1989 ran a European election campaign with a very green agenda.
Earlier this year, to bring attention to the role of meat production in the production of greenhouse gases, I produced a cut-out-and-keep 'green card' for my constituents, other MEPs and their staff. The card has recommendations on how individuals can help to save the planet, the most important one being to eat less meat.
This issue has now been taken up on a global level by authorities around the world. The National Health Service promotes meat-free menus in an effort to combat climate change. Germany's federal environment agency has also issued a strong advisory to return to the pre-war norms of eating meat only on special occasions. Paul McCartney called for a meat-free Monday last year.
A meat-free day has other positive outcomes, not just for climate change. The major killers in the west are cancer and heart disease, which are both linked with a diet high in meat. There is also the factor of developing countries such as China and India increasing their meat consumption, which is not only an environmental hazard but also increases the risk of a global food shortages. The UN's 400-page Food and Agriculture Organisation report 'Livestock's long shadow' estimates that meat production uses 16 times more land and fuel than its vegetable equivalent.
My green card has received a favourable response in the European parliament, which has taken to the issue with conferences on sustainable food production and eating less meat to combat climate change. Just a few years ago, my campaign may have been seen as cranky but it's now a mainstream view that is being recognised by leading global institutions.
Let's hope Boris changes his mind and joins me.
• Edward McMillan-Scott is a Conservative MEP
