I'm still skeptical.  I'd have to see the analysis in the book in detail.  I'm honestly not that interested in reading a book that encourages dairy farming (I'm having flashbacks of Michael Pollan), but I would like to see the math.  I do quite like Kingsolver.

Another consideration is that, for the average Joe Shmo omni, with his current habits,  is it more feasible to eat entirely locally or entirely vegan?  I try to eat local as well--I rarely buy anything prepackged, I buy organic and local (if available, which it isn't), I go to the farmer's market...but honestly I can't make my diet from entirely local foods overnight.  Nor do I have the resources to can food for the winter.  I agree though, local is better.  Also, is it feasible for a large portion of the population to be eating local meat and dairy without it becoming large-scale farming all over again?   I don't really know.  Not all of us live near dairy farms. That's why I think vegan is better--forget the exploitation, the human health issues, etc.  Vegan is something we can do right now.  But again, I am fundamentally opposed to animal farming and do not think it is ever warranted, whether or not it comes from your own backyard.

All pink's original article was saying is that the average Joe, going vegan, reduces carbon emissions.  Which is true.  I think we're getting off topic here.