BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — After the wildfires that devastated many parts of the state, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have sent Gov. Doug Burgum a message that they believe he should ditch meat to combat the extreme weather that contributes to natural disasters like wildfires. The action comes after Burgum declared May to be a statewide “Beef Month,” which PETA argues is a bad idea, citing the United Nations, which notes that about a third of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are linked to food production — mostly the meat and dairy industries. “Humans’ desire for a fleeting taste of flesh sends billions of animals to face the slaughterhouse knife and imperils the health of the fragile planet,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA is urging the governor to stop pandering to the destructive meat, egg, and dairy industries and is asking the public to please go vegan, for everyone’s sake.” World on pace for significantly more warming without immediate climate action, report warns PETA argues that one of the leading causes of deforestation is clearing land in order to raise animals and grow crops to feed them. They say the massive amount of water used in animal agriculture contributes to the dry conditions that allow wildfires to spread, citing a study published in the journal Earth System Science Data, which found that greenhouse gas emissions are at an all-time high. PETA says that every person who goes vegan spares nearly 200 animals each year "daily suffering" and a "terrifying death." The animal rights group offers free vegan starter kits for those who are interested in cutting meat from their diet. To learn more about PETA, visit PETA.org or follow the group on X, Facebook, or Instagram. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW