
There are many reasons for wanting to incorporate meat substitutes into your diet, even if you're not following a vegan or vegetarian diet.
Eating less meat is not only better for your health but also for the environment (1).
However, the abundance of meat substitutes makes it hard to know which to pick.
Here's the ultimate guide to choosing a vegan meat replacement for any situation.
How to Choose
First, consider what function the vegan substitute serves in your meal. Are you looking for protein, flavor or texture?
- If you're using the vegan meat substitute as the main source of protein in your meal, then examine labels to find an option that contains protein.
- If you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, look for nutrients that are typically low in these diets, like iron, vitamin B12 and calcium (2, 3, 4).
- If you follow a special diet that forbids such things as gluten or soy, look for products that do not contain these ingredients.
Summary
Reading the nutritional information and ingredients list on products is crucial to finding a product that meets your nutritional needs and diet.
Tofu
Tofu has been a standby in vegetarian diets for decades and a staple in Asian cuisines for centuries. While lacking flavor on its own, it takes on flavors of the other ingredients in a dish.
It's made similarly to the way cheese is made from cow's milk—soy milk is coagulated, whereupon the curds that form are pressed into blocks.
Tofu can be made using agents, such as calcium sulfate or magnesium chloride, which affect its nutritional profile. Additionally, some brands of tofu are fortified with nutrients like calcium, vitamin B12 and iron (5, 6, 7).
For example, 4 ounces (113 grams) of Nasoya Lite Firm Tofu contain (7):
- Calories: 60
- Carbs: 1.3 grams
- Protein: 11 grams
- Fat: 2 grams
- Fiber: 1.4 grams
- Calcium: 200 mg — 15% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
- Iron: 2 mg — 25% of the RDI for men and 11% for women
- Vitamin B12: 2.4 mcg — 100% of the RDI
If you're concerned about GMOs, choose an organic product, since most soy produced in the US is genetically engineered (8).
Tofu can be cubed for use in a stir-fry or crumbled as a replacement for eggs or cheese. Try it out in scrambled tofu or vegan lasagna.
Summary
Tofu is a versatile soy-based meat substitute that is high in protein and may contain added nutrients such as calcium and vitamin B12 that are important for a vegan diet. Products differ in nutrient content, so reading labels is important.
Tempeh
Tempeh is a traditional soy product made from fermented soy. The soybeans are cultured and formed into cakes.
Unlike tofu, which is made from soy milk, tempeh is made using the whole soybean, so it has a different nutritional profile.
It contains more protein, fiber and vitamins than tofu. Additionally, as a fermented food, it may benefit digestive health (9).
A half cup (83 grams) of tempeh contains (10):
- Calories: 160
- Carbs: 6.3 grams
- Protein: 17 grams
- Fat: 9 grams
- Calcium: 92 mg — 7% of the RDI
- Iron: 2 mg — 25% of the RDI for men and 11% for women
Tempeh is often supplemented with grains such as barley, so if you're following a gluten-free diet, be sure to read labels carefully.
Tempeh has a stronger flavor and firmer texture than tofu. It pairs well with peanut-based sauces and can be easily added to stir-fries or Thai salad.
Summary
Tempeh is a vegan meat substitute made from fermented soy. It's high in protein and works well in stir-fries and other Asian dishes.
Texturized Vegetable Protein (TVP)
TVP is a highly processed vegan meat substitute developed in the 1960s by food conglomerate Archer Daniels Midland.
It's made by taking soy flour—a byproduct of soy oil production—and removing the fat using solvents. The end result is a high-protein, low-fat product.
The soy flour is extruded into various shapes such as nuggets and chunks.
TVP can be purchased in dehydrated form. However, it's more often found in processed, frozen, vegetarian products.
Nutritionally, a half cup (27 grams) of TVP contains (11):
- Calories: 93
- Carbs: 8.7 grams
- Protein: 14 grams
- Fat: 0.3 grams
- Fiber: 0.9 grams
- Iron: 1.2 mg — 25% of the RDI for men and 11% for women
TVP is made from conventional soy and likely contains GMOs since most soy produced in the US is genetically engineered (8).
TVP is flavorless on its own but can add a meaty texture to dishes such as vegan chili.
Summary
TVP is a highly processed vegan meat substitute made from the byproducts of soy oil. It's high in protein and can give a meaty texture to vegan recipes.
Seitan
Seitan, or wheat gluten, is derived from gluten, the protein in wheat.
It's made by adding water to wheat flour and removing the starch.
Seitan is dense and chewy, with little flavor on its own. It's often flavored with soy sauce or other marinades.
It can be found in the refrigerated section of the supermarket in forms such as strips and chunks.
Seitan is high in protein, low in carbs and a good source of iron (12).
Three ounces (91 grams) of seitan contain (12):
- Calories: 108
- Carbs: 4.8 grams
- Protein: 20 grams
- Fat: 1.2 grams
- Fiber: 1.2 grams
- Iron: 8 mg — 100% of the RDI for men and 44% for women
Since the main ingredient in seitan is wheat gluten, it's unsuitable for anyone following a gluten-free diet.
Seitan can be used in place of beef or chicken in nearly any recipe. For instance, try it out in a vegan Mongolian beef stir-fry.
Summary
Seitan, a vegan meat replacement made from wheat gluten, provides ample protein and iron. It can be used as a substitute for chicken or beef in nearly any recipe but is unsuitable for people following a gluten-free diet.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms make a great substitute for meat if you're looking for an unprocessed, whole-food option.
They naturally have a meaty flavor, rich in umami—a type of savory taste.
Portobello mushroom caps can be grilled or broiled in place of a burger or sliced and used in stir-fries or tacos.
Mushrooms are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a good choice for people trying to lose weight. However, they don't contain much protein (13).
One cup (121 grams) of grilled portabella mushrooms contains (13):
- Calories: 42
- Carbs: 6 grams
- Protein: 5.2 grams
- Fat: 0.9 grams
- Fiber: 2.7 grams
- Iron: 0.7 mg — 9% of the RDI for men and 4% for women
Add mushrooms to pastas, stir-fries and salads or go for a vegan portobello burger.
Summary
Mushrooms can be used as a meat substitute and provide a hearty flavor and texture. They're a great option if you're looking to reduce your intake of processed foods. However, they're fairly low in protein.
Jackfruit
Though jackfruit has been used in Southeast Asian cuisines for centuries, it has only recently become popular in the US as a meat substitute.
It's a large, tropical fruit with flesh that has a subtle, fruity flavor said to be similar to pineapple.
Jackfruit has a chewy texture and is often used as a substitute for pulled pork in BBQ recipes.
It can be purchased raw or canned. Some canned jackfruit is sealed in syrup, so read labels carefully for added sugars.
As jackfruit is high in carbs and low in protein, it may not be the best choice if you're looking for a plant-based protein source. However, when served with other high-protein foods, it makes a convincing substitute for meat (14).
One cup (154 grams) of raw jackfruit contains (14):
- Calories: 155
- Carbs: 40 grams
- Protein: 2.4 grams
- Fat: 0.5 grams
- Fiber: 2.6 grams
- Calcium: 56 mg — 4% of the RDI
- Iron: 1.0 mg — 13% of the RDI for men and 6% for women
If you're interested in trying jackfruit, make yourself a BBQ pulled jackfruit sandwich.
Summary
Jackfruit is a tropical fruit that can be used as a substitute for pork in barbecue recipes. It's high in carbs and low in protein, making it a poor nutritional substitute for meat.
Beans and Legumes
Beans and legumes are affordable sources of plant-based protein that serve as hearty and filling meat substitutes.
What's more, they're a whole, unprocessed food.
There are many types of beans: chickpeas, black beans, lentils and more.
Each bean has a slightly different flavor, so they work well in a variety of cuisines. For example, black beans and pinto beans complement Mexican recipes, whereas chickpeas and cannellini beans work well with Mediterranean flavors.
Though beans are a good source of plant-based protein, they don't contain all essential amino acids on their own. However, they're high in fiber and a great vegetarian source of iron (15).
For example, one cup (198 grams) of cooked lentils contains (15):
- Calories: 230
- Carbs: 40 grams
- Protein: 18 grams
- Fat: 0.8 grams
- Fiber: 15.6 grams
- Calcium: 37.6 mg — 3% of the RDI
- Iron: 6.6 mg — 83% of the RDI for men and 37% for women
Beans can be used in soups, stews, burgers and many other recipes. Go for a vegan sloppy joe made from lentils the next time you want a high-protein meal.
Summary
Beans are a high-protein, high-fiber and high-iron whole food and vegan meat substitute. They can be used in soups, stews and burgers.
Popular Brands of Meat Substitutes
There are hundreds of meat substitutes on the market, making meat-free, high-protein meals exceedingly convenient.
However, not everything that's meatless is necessarily vegan, so if you're on a strict vegan diet, rather than just looking for variety, it's important to read labels carefully.
Here is a selection of companies that make popular meat substitutes, though not all focus strictly on vegan products.
Beyond Meat
Beyond Meat is one of the newer companies for meat substitutes. Their Beyond Burger is said to look, cook and taste just like meat.
Their products are vegan and free of GMOs, gluten and soy.
The Beyond Burger is made from pea protein, canola oil, coconut oil, potato starch and other ingredients. One patty contains 270 calories, 20 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber and 30% of the RDI for iron (16).
Beyond Meat also makes sausages, chicken substitutes and meat crumbles.
Gardein
Gardein makes a variety of widely available, ready-to-use meat substitutes.
Their products include substitutes for chicken, beef, pork and fish, and range from burgers to strips to meatballs. Many of their items include sauces such as teriyaki or mandarin orange flavoring.
The Ultimate Beefless Burger is made from soy protein concentrate, wheat gluten and many other ingredients. Each patty provides 140 calories, 15 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber and 15% of the RDI for iron (17).
Gardein's products are certified vegan and dairy free; however, it's unknown whether they use GMO ingredients.
While their main line of products includes gluten, Gardein does make a gluten-free line as well.
Tofurky
Tofurky, famous for their Thanksgiving roast, produces meat substitutes, including sausages, deli slices and ground meat.
Their products are made from tofu and wheat gluten, so they are unsuitable for gluten- or soy-free diets.
Just one of their Original Italian Sausages contains 280 calories, 30 grams of protein, 14 grams of fat and 20% of the RDI for iron (18).
Therefore, while they're a high-protein option, they're also high in calories.
Their products are non-GMO verified and vegan.
Yves Veggie Cuisine
Yves Veggie Cuisine vegan products include burgers, deli slices, hot dogs and sausages, as well as ground "beef" and "sausage."
Their Veggie Ground Round is made from "soy protein product," "wheat protein product" and many other ingredients, including added vitamins and minerals.
One-third cup (55 grams) contains 60 calories, 9 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber and 20% of the RDI for iron (19).
Some of their products appear to be non-GMO verified, whereas others don't have that certification.
Their products are made with both soy and wheat, making them improper for those on soy- or gluten-free diets.
Lightlife
Lightlife, a long-established meat substitute company, makes burgers, deli slices, hot dogs and sausages, as well as ground "beef" and "sausage." They also produce frozen meals and meatless jerky.
Their Gimme Lean Veggie Ground is made from textured soy protein concentrate. It also contains wheat gluten, although it appears farther down the ingredient list.
Two ounces (56 grams) have 60 calories, 8 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber and 6% of the RDI for iron (20).
Their products are non-GMO verified and certified vegan.
As their foods are made with both soy and wheat, they should be avoided by those who don't consume these ingredients.
Boca
Owned by Kraft, Boca products are widely available meat substitutes, though not all are vegan. The line includes burgers, sausages, "meat" crumbles and more.
They're highly processed, made from soy protein concentrate, wheat gluten, hydrolyzed corn protein and corn oil, amidst a long list of other ingredients.
Many of their products contain cheese, which is not vegan. Furthermore, the cheese contains enzymes which are not vegetarian-sourced.
Read labels carefully, to ensure you're buying a truly vegan Boca product if you're following a vegan lifestyle.
One Boca Chik'n Vegan Patty (71 grams) has 150 calories, 12 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber and 10% of the RDI for iron (21).
Boca Burgers contain soy and corn, which are likely from genetically engineered sources, though they have some clearly marked non-GMO products.
MorningStar Farms
MorningStar Farms, owned by Kellogg, claims to be "America's #1 veggie burger brand," likely due more to its wide availability rather than its taste or nutritional content (22).
They make several flavors of veggie burgers, chicken substitutes, veggie hot dogs, veggie bowls, meal starters and breakfast "meats."
While the majority of their products are not vegan, they do offer vegan burgers.
For example, their Meat Lovers vegan burgers are made from various vegetable oils, wheat gluten, soy protein isolate, soy flour and other ingredients (23).
One burger (113 grams) has 280 calories, 27 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber and 10% of the RDI for iron (23).
Not all their products are certified to be free from GMO ingredients, though the Meat Lovers vegan burger is made from non-GMO soy.
Morningstar products have both soy- and wheat-based ingredients, so should not be eaten by soy- or gluten-free individuals.
Quorn
Quorn makes vegetarian meat substitutes out of mycoprotein, a fermented fungus found in soil.
While mycoprotein appears to be safe for consumption, there have been several reports of allergic and gastrointestinal symptoms after eating Quorn products (24).
Quorn products include grounds, tenders, patties and cutlets. While most of their products are made with egg whites, they do provide vegan options.
Their Vegan Naked Chick'n Cutlets are made from mycoprotein, potato protein and pea fiber and have added flavorings, carrageenan and wheat gluten.
One cutlet (63 grams) has 70 calories, 10 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber (25).
Some Quorn products are certified non-GMO, but others are not.
While Quorn is made from a unique protein source, many of the products also contain egg whites and wheat gluten, so be sure to read the labels carefully if you are on a special diet.
Summary
There are many popular brands of meat substitutes on the market. However, many contain wheat, soy and GMO ingredients, and not all are vegan, so read labels carefully to find an appropriate product for your diet.
What to Avoid
People with food allergies or intolerances may need to read labels carefully in order to avoid ingredients such as gluten, dairy, soy, eggs and corn.
Furthermore, don't assume a product is vegan just because it's meatless. Many meatless products include eggs, dairy and natural flavors sourced from animal products and enzymes, which may include animal rennet (26).
While many organic and non-GMO certified products exist, those most widely available, such as MorningStar Farms and Boca Burgers, are likely made with genetically engineered corn and soy.
Additionally, like most processed foods, many vegan meat substitutes are high in sodium, so be sure to read labels if you watch your sodium intake.
A healthy diet is based around minimally processed foods, so be cautious of long lists of ingredients filled with words you don't recognize.
Summary
Choose vegan meat substitutes that are minimally processed, with recognizable ingredients. Avoid highly processed items that are not verified to be free from animal products.
The Bottom Line
These days, hundreds of vegan meat substitutes are available, both from natural and processed sources.
The nutritional profile of these products varies greatly, so choose them based on your own dietary and nutritional needs.
With so many options to choose from, finding vegan meat substitutes that fit your needs should be straightforward.
Reposted with permission from our media associate Healthline.
- Nebraska Lawmakers Want to Ban the Word 'Meat' From Vegetarian ... ›
- Missouri Becomes First State to Regulate the Word 'Meat' - EcoWatch ›
- 16 New Vegan Cookbooks We Can't Wait to Read in 2019 - EcoWatch ›
- 24 Healthy Vegan Snack Ideas - EcoWatch ›
- 6 of the Most Sustainable Meat Alternatives - EcoWatch ›
- 10 Nutrition and Health Benefits of Cashew Milk - EcoWatch ›
- 5 Vegan Foodies to Follow on Instagram - EcoWatch ›
- 6 Plant-Based Meat Alternatives for Your Next Summer BBQ - EcoWatch ›
- 13 Nearly Complete Protein Sources for Vegetarians and Vegans - EcoWatch ›
By Michael Svoboda, Ph.D.
Despite a journey to this moment even more treacherous than expected, Americans now have a fresh opportunity to act, decisively, on climate change.
The authors of the many new books released in just the past few months (or scheduled to be published soon) seem to have anticipated this pivotal moment.
- 10 Best Books On Climate Change, According to Activists - EcoWatch ›
- New and Recent Books About Hope in a Time of Climate Change ... ›
EcoWatch Daily Newsletter
By Katy Neusteter
The Biden-Harris transition team identified COVID-19, economic recovery, racial equity and climate change as its top priorities. Rivers are the through-line linking all of them. The fact is, healthy rivers can no longer be separated into the "nice-to-have" column of environmental progress. Rivers and streams provide more than 60 percent of our drinking water — and a clear path toward public health, a strong economy, a more just society and greater resilience to the impacts of the climate crisis.
Public Health
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTUyNDY3MC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2MDkxMTkwNn0.pyP14Bg1WvcUvF_xUGgYVu8PS7Lu49Huzc3PXGvATi4/img.jpg?width=980" id="8e577" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1efb3445f5c445e47d5937a72343c012" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="3000" data-height="2302" />Wild and Scenic Merced River, California. Bob Wick / BLM
<p>Let's begin with COVID-19. More than <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-us-cases.html?name=styln-coronavirus&region=TOP_BANNER&block=storyline_menu_recirc&action=click&pgtype=LegacyCollection&impression_id=2f508610-2a87-11eb-8622-4f6c038cbd1d&variant=1_Show" target="_blank">16 million Americans</a> have contracted the coronavirus and, tragically,<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-us-cases.html?name=styln-coronavirus&region=TOP_BANNER&block=storyline_menu_recirc&action=click&pgtype=LegacyCollection&impression_id=2f508610-2a87-11eb-8622-4f6c038cbd1d&variant=1_Show" target="_blank"> more than</a> <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-us-cases.html?name=styln-coronavirus&region=TOP_BANNER&block=storyline_menu_recirc&action=click&pgtype=LegacyCollection&impression_id=2f508610-2a87-11eb-8622-4f6c038cbd1d&variant=1_Show" target="_blank">300,000 have died</a> due to the pandemic. While health officials encourage hand-washing to contain the pandemic, at least <a href="https://closethewatergap.org/" target="_blank">2 million Americans</a> are currently living without running water, indoor plumbing or wastewater treatment. Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/23/millions-of-americans-cant-afford-water-bills-rise" target="_blank">aging water infrastructure is growing increasingly costly for utilities to maintain</a>. That cost is passed along to consumers. The upshot? <a href="https://research.msu.edu/affordable-water-in-us-reaching-a-crisis/" target="_blank">More than 13 million</a> U.S. households regularly face unaffordable water bills — and, thus, the threat of water shutoffs. Without basic access to clean water, families and entire communities are at a higher risk of <a href="https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/news/2020/08/05/488705/bridging-water-access-gap-covid-19-relief/" target="_blank">contracting</a> and spreading COVID-19.</p><p>We have a moral duty to ensure that everyone has access to clean water to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Last spring, <a href="https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2020/03/coronavirus-stimulus-bill-explained-bailouts-unemployment-benefits.html" target="_blank">Congress appropriated more than $4 trillion</a> to jumpstart the economy and bring millions of unemployed Americans back to work. Additional federal assistance — desperately needed — will present a historic opportunity to improve our crumbling infrastructure, which has been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/23/millions-of-americans-cant-afford-water-bills-rise" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">grossly underfunded for decades</a>.</p><p>A report by my organization, American Rivers, suggests that <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/american-rivers-website/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/09223525/ECONOMIC-ENGINES-Report-2020.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Congress must invest at least $50 billion</a> "to address the urgent water infrastructure needs associated with COVID-19," including the rising cost of water. This initial boost would allow for the replacement and maintenance of sewers, stormwater infrastructure and water supply facilities.</p>Economic Recovery
<p>Investing in water infrastructure and healthy rivers also creates jobs. Consider, for example, that <a href="https://tinyurl.com/y9p6sgnk" target="_blank">every $1 million spent on water infrastructure in the United States generates more than 15 jobs</a> throughout the economy, according to a report by the Value of Water Campaign. Similarly, <a href="https://tinyurl.com/yyvd2ksp" target="_blank">every "$1 million invested in forest and watershed restoration contracting will generate between 15.7 and 23.8 jobs,</a> depending on the work type," states a working paper released by the Ecosystem Workforce Program, University of Oregon. Healthy rivers also spur tourism and recreation, which many communities rely on for their livelihoods. According to the findings by the Outdoor Industry Association, which have been shared in our report, "Americans participating in watersports and fishing spend over <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/american-rivers-website/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/30222425/Exec-summary-ECONOMIC-ENGINES-Report-June-30-2020.pdf" target="_blank">$174 billion</a> on gear and trip related expenses. And, the outdoor watersports and fishing economy supports over <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/american-rivers-website/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/30222425/Exec-summary-ECONOMIC-ENGINES-Report-June-30-2020.pdf" target="_blank">1.5 million jobs nationwide</a>."</p><p>After the 2008 financial crisis, Congress invested in infrastructure to put Americans back to work. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act <a href="https://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/economy-a-budget/25941-clean-water-green-infrastructure-get-major-boost" target="_blank">of 2009 (ARRA) allocated $6 billion</a> for clean water and drinking water infrastructure to decrease unemployment and boost the economy. More specifically, <a href="https://www.conservationnw.org/news-updates/us-reps-push-for-millions-of-restoration-and-resilience-jobs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">an analysis of ARRA</a> "showed conservation investments generated 15 to 33 jobs per million dollars," and more than doubled the rate of return, according to a letter written in May 2020 by 79 members of Congress, seeking greater funding for restoration and resilience jobs.</p><p>Today, when considering how to create work for the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">10.7 million</a> people who are currently unemployed, Congress should review previous stimulus investments and build on their successes by embracing major investments in water infrastructure and watershed restoration.</p>Racial Justice
<p>American Rivers also recommends that Congress dedicate <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/american-rivers-website/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/09223525/ECONOMIC-ENGINES-Report-2020.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">$500 billion for rivers and clean water over the next 10 years</a> — not just for the benefit of our environment and economy, but also to begin to address the United States' history of deeply entrenched racial injustice.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.epa.gov/npdes/sanitary-sewer-overflows-ssos" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">23,000-75,000 sewer overflows</a> that occur each year release up to <a href="https://www.americanrivers.org/2020/05/fighting-for-rivers-means-fighting-for-justice/#:~:text=There%20are%20also%2023%2C000%20to%2075%2C000%20sanitary%20sewer,to%20do%20with%20the%20mission%20of%20American%20Rivers." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">10 billion gallons of toxic sewage</a> <em>every day</em> into rivers and streams. This disproportionately impacts communities of color, because, for generations, Black, Indigenous, Latinx and other people of color have been <a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/flooding-disproportionately-harms-black-neighborhoods/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">relegated</a> to live in flood-prone areas and in neighborhoods that have been intentionally burdened with a lack of development that degrades people's health and quality of life. In some communities of color, incessant flooding due to stormwater surges or <a href="https://www.ajc.com/opinion/opinion-partnering-to-better-manage-our-water/7WQ6SEAQP5E4LGQCEYY5DO334Y/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">combined sewer overflows</a> has gone unmitigated for decades.</p><p>We have historically treated people as separate from rivers and water. We can't do that anymore. Every voice — particularly those of people most directly impacted — must have a loudspeaker and be included in decision-making at the highest levels.</p><p>Accordingly, the new administration must diligently invest in projects at the community level that will improve lives in our country's most marginalized communities. We also must go further to ensure that local leaders have a seat at the decision-making table. To this end, the Biden-Harris administration should restore <a href="https://www.epa.gov/cwa-401#:~:text=Section%20401%20Certification%20The%20Clean%20Water%20Act%20%28CWA%29,the%20United%20States.%20Learn%20more%20about%20401%20certification." target="_blank">Section 401 of the Clean Water Act</a>, which was undermined by the <a href="https://earthjustice.org/news/press/2020/tribes-and-environmental-groups-sue-trump-administration-to-preserve-clean-water-protections#:~:text=Under%20Section%20401%20of%20the%20Clean%20Water%20Act%2C,seeks%20to%20undermine%20that%20authority%20in%20several%20ways%3A" target="_blank">Trump administration's 2020 regulatory changes</a>. This provision gives states and tribes the authority to decide whether major development projects, such as hydropower and oil and gas projects, move forward.</p>Climate Resilience
<p>Of course, the menacing shadow looming over it all? Climate change. <a href="https://media.ifrc.org/ifrc/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IFRC_wdr2020/IFRC_WDR_ExecutiveSummary_EN_Web.pdf" target="_blank">More than 100 climate-related catastrophes</a> have pummeled the Earth since the pandemic was declared last spring, including the blitzkrieg of megafires, superstorms and heat waves witnessed during the summer of 2020, directly impacting the lives of more than <a href="https://media.ifrc.org/ifrc/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IFRC_wdr2020/IFRC_WDR_ExecutiveSummary_EN_Web.pdf" target="_blank">50 million people globally</a>.</p><p>Water and climate scientist Brad Udall often says, "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQhpj5G0dME" target="_blank">Climate change is water change</a>." In other words, the most obvious and dire impacts of climate change are evidenced in profound changes to our rivers and water resources. You've likely seen it where you live: Floods are more damaging and frequent. Droughts are deeper and longer. Uncertainty is destabilizing industry and lives.</p><p>By galvanizing action for healthy rivers and managing our water resources more effectively, we can insure future generations against the consequences of climate change. First, we must safeguard rivers that are still healthy and free-flowing. Second, we must protect land and property against the ravages of flooding. And finally, we must promote policies and practical solutions that take the science of climate disruption into account when planning for increased flooding, water shortage and habitat disruption.</p><p>Imagine all that rivers do for us. Most of our towns and cities have a river running through them or flowing nearby. Rivers provide clean drinking water, irrigate crops that provide our food, power our homes and businesses, provide wildlife habitat, and are the lifeblood of the places where we enjoy and explore nature, and where we play and nourish our spirits. Healthy watersheds help <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/03/1059952" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mitigate</a> climate change, absorbing and reducing the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. Healthy rivers and floodplains help communities adapt and build resilience in the face of climate change by improving flood protection and providing water supply and quality benefits. Rivers are the cornerstones of healthy, strong communities.</p><p>The more than <a href="https://archive.epa.gov/water/archive/web/html/index-17.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">3 million miles</a> of rivers and streams running across our country are a source of great strength and opportunity. When we invest in healthy rivers and clean water, we can improve our lives. When we invest in rivers, we create jobs and strengthen our economy. When we invest in rivers, we invest in our shared future.</p>Trending
Fifteen states are in for an unusually noisy spring.
- Millions of Cicadas Set to Emerge After 17 Years Underground ... ›
- Cicadas Show Up 4 Years Early - EcoWatch ›
Deep in the woods, a hairy, ape-like man is said to be living a quiet and secluded life. While some deny the creature's existence, others spend their lives trying to prove it.
- Why Hunting Isn't Conservation, and Why It Matters - Rewilding ›
- Decline In Hunters Threatens How U.S. Pays For Conservation : NPR ›
- Is Hunting Conservation? Let's examine it closely ›
- Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation | Oklahoma ... ›
- Oklahoma Bill Calls for Bigfoot Hunting Season | Is Bigfoot Real? ›
Climate Leaders Celebrate as European Investment Bank Chief Declares 'Gas Is Over'
By Jon Queally
Noted author and 350.org co-founder Bill McKibben was among the first to celebrate word that the president of the European Investment Bank on Wednesday openly declared, "To put it mildly, gas is over" — an admission that squares with what climate experts and economists have been saying for years if not decades.
- Fossil Fuel Industry Is Now 'in the Death Knell Phase': CNBC's Jim ... ›
- Mayors of 12 Major Global Cities Pledge Fossil Fuel Divestment ... ›
- World's Largest Public Bank Ditches Oil and Coal in Victory for the ... ›