Greenpeace Criticizes Dairy Conversions for Nitrate Crisis in Canterbury
Sourse: dairynews.today
Greenpeace has publicly criticized Canterbury's dairy industry, specifically targeting Fonterra, for contributing to a 'nitrate emergency' affecting the region's drinking water.
Greenpeace installed a sign outside Canterbury’s first completed dairy conversion declaring a 'Nitrate Emergency,' criticizing the dairy industry's expansion facilitated by Fonterra. Will Appelbe, a Greenpeace spokesperson, stated, "The dirty dairy industry, led by Fonterra, is responsible for Canterbury’s drinking water crisis. The nitrate emergency starts here - on Fonterra dairy farms just like this one, that contaminate drinking water with cow urine and fertiliser runoff."
Studies link regions with intensive dairying to high nitrate contamination, which poses health risks. A Danish study suggested a correlation between low nitrate levels (1 mg/L) and bowel cancer, while levels of 5 mg/L or higher are associated with increased risk of pre-term birth. The Kaituna River, which receives runoff from these conversions, flows into Te Waihora, one of New Zealand’s most polluted lakes.
A recent GNS Science study warns that over 100,000 New Zealanders, especially in rural Canterbury, may be exposed to nitrate levels of 5 mg/L or higher. Greenpeace urges Cantabrians to vote for improved water policies in the upcoming local elections, demanding a halt to dairy expansion and a phase-out of synthetic nitrogen fertilisers to ensure safe drinking water—a fundamental right. They challenge Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell to address the nitrate crisis publicly.
Studies link regions with intensive dairying to high nitrate contamination, which poses health risks. A Danish study suggested a correlation between low nitrate levels (1 mg/L) and bowel cancer, while levels of 5 mg/L or higher are associated with increased risk of pre-term birth. The Kaituna River, which receives runoff from these conversions, flows into Te Waihora, one of New Zealand’s most polluted lakes.
A recent GNS Science study warns that over 100,000 New Zealanders, especially in rural Canterbury, may be exposed to nitrate levels of 5 mg/L or higher. Greenpeace urges Cantabrians to vote for improved water policies in the upcoming local elections, demanding a halt to dairy expansion and a phase-out of synthetic nitrogen fertilisers to ensure safe drinking water—a fundamental right. They challenge Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell to address the nitrate crisis publicly.
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