In its letter to the actor, sent on Monday, PETA quoted what Dr Rajendra Pachauri, chairman of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and co-winner of Nobel Peace Prize told The Observer- “I want to highlight the fact that, among options for mitigating climate change, changing diets is something one should consider. If we’re honest, less meat is also good for the health and would also at the same time reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.”

The letter further said, “Studies have concluded that Mumbai alone could suffer up to $48 billion of economic loss because of projected submergence caused by global warming as animal agriculture produces more than 100 million tonnes of methane a year.” PETA has also congratulated Bachchan for bringing the international event to India that will showcase acts by Roger Waters and Bon Jovi.

Peta is backing the cause as they believe that shifts in diet lower greenhouse-gas emissions faster than shifts away from the fossil-fuel-burning technologies that emit carbon dioxide. To support this, PETA has cited a UN report titled Livestock’s Long Shadow which states that raising animals for food generates more greenhouse-gas emissions than all the cars, trucks, ships and planes in the world combined.

Peta’s Chief Functionary, Anuradha Sawhney said in the letter: “On behalf of PETA, India and all our members and supporters, we respectfully ask you to kindly ensure that no meat is served at the event by urging the event’s organisers to honour the spirit and goal of Live Earth by serving only vegetarian food. By doing so, you will send a strong message, that people can save the planet simply by changing their dietary habits. After all, selling meat at a concert to benefit the environment would be like selling cigarettes at a cancer charity fund-raiser.”

She added, “We also hope that you will take the opportunity to talk about the benefits of a vegetarian diet during the event, thereby educating millions of people watching worldwide. The animals and the environment would thank you - if they could - for taking such a noble step on their behalf.”