The debate over whether to eat meat or adopt a vegetarian diet has become a hot topic globally. If one day, everyone decided to stop eating meat and switch to a vegetarian diet, how would life on Earth change?
The decision to give up steak, fried chicken, and even ice cream can be driven by various reasons: from maintaining a healthier lifestyle, protecting animals from suffering, to the goal of mitigating climate change. Can a vegan diet save the planet from climate change and improve our health? And what will happen to billions of livestock if we no longer have the need for them?
According to the Vegan Society, veganism is defined as “a lifestyle that seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation and cruelty to animals for food, clothing or any other purpose.” Vegans avoid consuming animal products such as meat, dairy, eggs, and honey, as well as animal-derived products like leather and cosmetics tested on animals.
. Vegans avoid consuming animal products.
Maintaining a strict vegan diet may not be easy, as animal products are present in many everyday items like beeswax, gelatin, and fish oil… While some products may have vegan alternatives, not all do. Philosopher Gary Steiner argues that the complete elimination of animal use is impossible, as it is deeply embedded in the fabric of human society.
Although a vegan lifestyle remains a challenge for the majority, the reality is that this movement is rapidly growing. In the United States alone, as of 2018, approximately 20 million people were following a vegan diet, a sixfold increase since 2015. Tofu and other meat alternatives are gradually replacing meat on restaurant menus. Sales of dairy-free products have also skyrocketed, increasing by 61% from 2012 to 2017.
However, even as vegan diets become trendy, the meat industry continues to thrive. Every hour in the U.S., about 500,000 animals are slaughtered for meat. Animal products are responsible for a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions, with a significant portion coming from cattle. The enormous number of livestock worldwide emits a volume of carbon equivalent to all cars, trains, ships, and planes combined.
. Every hour in the U.S., about 500,000 animals are slaughtered for meat. (Illustrative image).
There are about 1.5 billion cattle in the world, each estimated to emit up to 120 kg of methane annually. Methane has a climate change impact 23 times greater than carbon dioxide. A significant portion of agricultural emissions, estimated between 18% and 51% of total global emissions, comes from livestock farming.
In addition to greenhouse gas emissions, the meat production industry has many other negative impacts on the environment, including inefficient land and water use. Livestock occupies up to two-thirds of the agricultural land on the planet. If we all switched to a vegan diet, emissions from livestock could decrease by up to 70%, and this land could be used to restore forests and grow other crops, thereby helping reduce carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.
Animal production also contributes to water pollution in many countries such as the U.S., Canada, India, and Switzerland due to poorly managed animal waste. Producing one pound of beef requires 2,500 gallons of water, while a vegan meal can save this amount.
Maintaining a strict vegan diet may not be easy.
If the demand for meat and animal products declines sharply, billions of livestock could be slaughtered or abandoned. Some species might return to the wild, but many, like broiler chickens, cannot survive on their own due to their dependence on humans. Sanctuaries may be the best solution for them.
This transition would also affect meat sellers and farmers, forcing them to seek other jobs, such as planting crops or forest restoration. This could be beneficial, as workers in the meat industry often face poor working conditions and health risks. However, on a larger scale, rural communities dependent on livestock farming would face economic difficulties and unemployment.
The meat production industry has many other negative impacts on the environment.
Switching to a vegan diet does not guarantee better health for everyone. Vegans often lack essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, vitamin D, zinc, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. While we can replace protein from meat with soy, beans, and lentils, a balanced diet is still necessary.
Nonetheless, a vegan diet can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes. One study found that vegans had lower cancer rates. Global mortality rates could decrease by up to 10%, equivalent to an 8 million reduction in deaths annually and savings of up to $1 trillion in healthcare costs.
Many people choose veganism out of concern for animal welfare. A Gallup survey in 2015 found that 32% of Americans believe animals should have rights similar to humans. Professor Gary Francione argues that all living beings should have the right not to be treated as property, and supporting veganism is a fundamental step for anyone who believes in the moral value of animals.
A vegan diet is one of the ways to protect the environment and improve human health.
The idea of everyone in the world switching to a completely vegetarian diet may seem extreme. However, this does not mean we cannot find a balance. Solutions to reduce emissions from livestock farming already exist, and the growing vegan movement can help decrease meat consumption. Movements like “Meatless Monday” are encouraging people to cut back on meat consumption while promoting the intake of more plant-based foods.
A vegan diet may not be the only solution, but it is certainly one of the most effective ways we can protect the environment and improve human health. Ultimately, the choice is up to each person, and whether we decide to eat vegan or not, it is crucial to be aware of our impact on the planet and the other beings that share the Earth.
