The negative effects of meat production and distribution include:
Greenhouse gases emissions:
Greenhouse gases are a result of the waste products of livestock and the main gas produced is methane (much more destructive than CO2).
Also the transportation of meat from point of origing to the point where it will be consumed implies an emission of greenhouse gases.
The contribution of meat production and distribution to the greenhouse gases emission is equivalent to that produced by transportation industry, therefore the impact is considerable.
Deforestation:
Meat production is the biggest cause of deforestation globally, this is because for the production large areas are needed for crop fields dedicated to feeding livestock and also for farming.
In many places farmers set forests on fire in order to clear space for cattle. This releases tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This also cause climate change because these trees no longer absorb carbon dioxide.
Damage of wild life
When forests are cleared for farming habitats are destroyed, this contributes to the extintion of many species which has an impact on the ecosystem.
Also, the crops that are grown for livestock feeding are usually treated with chemicals and fertilizers. This has an impact on the soil and the biodiversity around it. This can also pollute the underground water, rivers and lakes, and the species that relate to them.
Consumption and pollution of water
Water is used to grow crops needed to feed the cattle, is also consumed by livestock and is used in the production process that includes the cleaning process.