Meat is a mighty contributor to climate change and other environmental problems. The amount of meat we're eating is one of the leading causes of climate change. It's as important as the kind of car you drive - whether you eat meat a lot or how much meat you eat.

In this quote, Michael Pollan emphasizes the significant role that meat consumption plays in contributing to climate change and other environmental problems. He argues that the way we produce and consume meat has a large environmental impact, potentially rivaling other factors such as transportation emissions. Pollan is pointing out that the scale of meat consumption—particularly in industrialized countries—has serious environmental consequences, including greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and overuse of resources like water and land.

Pollan compares the environmental impact of meat consumption to other everyday decisions, such as the kind of car you drive. By drawing this parallel, he highlights that the choices we make in our daily lives, including how much meat we eat, can be just as significant in affecting the environment as more traditionally recognized factors. The focus here is on the individual responsibility in addressing global environmental challenges, encouraging people to consider how their personal consumption habits contribute to the larger issue of climate change.

The quote also suggests that our dietary habits can be part of the solution to environmental sustainability. Pollan is urging people to be more conscious of how often they consume meat and to consider its environmental cost. By reducing meat consumption, especially from factory-farming systems, individuals can reduce their carbon footprint and help mitigate some of the damage caused by industrial agriculture.

Ultimately, Michael Pollan is calling attention to the broader impact of our food choices on the environment, encouraging a shift towards more sustainable eating habits. His statement serves as a reminder that climate change is a multifaceted issue that requires individuals to rethink not just their transportation choices, but also their diets.