In 2006, the United Nations published Livestock’s Long Shadow, a landmark study highlighting the global environmental impacts of livestock production. Despite the widespread attention drawn by this study and subsequent works, there has been limited focus on the local distribution of these environmental burdens, particularly in vulnerable communities. In this seminar, Dr Chamanara will discuss this gap by: 1) Mapping approximately 16,000 cattle and pig AFOs across the U.S. using high-resolution remote sensing and examining their impact on local air quality and socio-demographic factors; 2) Mapping a specific beef supply chain to analyze its links to PM2.5 hotspots in California and the related environmental and health costs for nearby communities; and 3) Developing a new method to quantify power structures within supply chains to foster environmental and social improvements. This seminar bridges Environmental Justice and Supply Chain Governance, offering a novel quantitative approach to address inefficiencies and promote better governance for improved social and environmental outcomes. Ultimately, it provides evidence-based support to enhance governance mechanisms in supply chains, raise public awareness of localized environmental burdens, and empower affected marginalized communities.
Dr. Sanaz Chamanara
Research Fellow, Environmental, Social, & Governance (ESG)
UNU-INWEH
