Climate Change and Veganism

One of the biggest food trends of 2018, veganism, has taken by the storm as hundreds of people are adopting a meat-free diet by the minute. Some do it for the ‘gram’ while others are becoming aware of the drastic implications of the meat and dairy industry on our environment.

But how big a difference would it make on the climate if all of us become vegan tomorrow?

A recent report on The Guardian stated, “In rich nations, the dietary changes required are ever more stark. UK and US citizens need to cut beef by 90% and milk by 60% while increasing beans and pulses between four and six times.”

Reducing our meat consumption, according to researchers at the University of Oxford, can reduce an individual carbon footprint from food by up to 73 per cent and global farmland by more than 75 per cent.

The global movement has also made its presence recognizable in India. India, being a country that already has a massive vegetarian population, has welcomed veganism with boh hands.

In 2018, Chennai was awarded India’s most vegan-friendly city as a result of multiple vegan-friendly ventures and various restaurants introducing vegan items on their menu.

Vegan-meat butcher startup Vegeta Gold co-founder, Marieen Vijayan, talked about how being part of the People for Animals foundation made her value the lives of animals. She said “Going vegan is essential, not only for your health but also for the environment, for the animals. Animal cruelty is a topmost priority and we started this venture for those who were willing to give up meat. This is our attempt to make their lives easier.”

Humans have culled and exploited animal resources for ages. As a result, the dietary choices we make plays an immense role in disturbing the habitats of animals, birds, plants and other organisms.

However, while exposing intensive meat and dairy industry and its impacts on human health and environment is necessary, it is not the single biggest criteria to combat climate change.

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