According to a study, humans make up just 0.01% of Earth’s life. Yet, it has successfully modified almost every part of the planet. In fact, we’re pushing our planet to the brink of doom. As global population levels continue to rise, the demand for food also increases. Food is one of the biggest contributors to our environmental footprint and its production is one of the causes for the depletion of biodiversity.
Adopting a vegan lifestyle could be the biggest way to minimize our environmental impact on Earth.
Aside from it making humans healthier and saving the lives of many animals by not eating them, veganism could combat world hunger, decrease the pressure on our natural resources, and reduce an enormous amount of energy consumption and carbon emissions.
People who choose to eat meat shouldn't pay extra for medical services. Doing that is similar to saying that lung cancer patients should pay the same amount because they helped in releasing toxic air pollutants. Not all people with lung cancer smoke though, similar to those whose veganism isn't an option because of their allergies. Instead the retail price for meat should increase. This could lessen meat purchase patterns for people who don't have certain medical problems.
References:
- Baird, V. “What If...the World Turned Vegan?” New Internationalist, New Internationalist, 11 Oct. 2019, newint.org/features/2019/10/04/what-ifthe-world-turned-vegan.
- Reynolds, Matt. “How Does Going Vegan Help Save the Planet? Here Are the Facts.” WIRED UK, WIRED UK, 8 Sept. 2019, www.wired.co.uk/article/vegan-diet-environmental-carbon-impact.