Here's What a Vegan Planet Might Look Like: An Exploration of Possibilities
Written on
Chapter 1: The Rise of Veganism
Veganism is rapidly emerging as one of the most significant movements in modern society. Recent statistics reveal a staggering increase in the demand for plant-based foods, with a nearly 1000% surge in 2017 alone. Approximately half of the UK's vegan population adopted this lifestyle since 2018, showcasing an exponential growth trend. Projections suggest that by 2025, 25% of UK consumers will identify as vegan or vegetarian, with an additional 50% following a 'flexitarian' diet.
As we transition into this new vegan era—accelerated by the pandemic, which has prompted many to prioritize health—one can't help but wonder: What would a vegan world actually entail?
This inquiry leads us to consider the implications for public health.
Population Health
The health risks associated with consuming animal products, particularly red meat, are well-documented. While it's important to note that one can be an unhealthy vegan, evidence strongly suggests that a plant-based diet can significantly enhance overall health. Research indicates that vegans generally experience less inflammation in their gut compared to omnivores and have a lower incidence of common cancers such as colon, breast, and prostate cancer.
Moreover, heart disease is considerably less frequent among vegans, and they also enjoy a longer life expectancy. Although measuring long-term outcomes can be challenging, studies often draw on data from Seventh-Day Adventist communities that adhere to plant-based diets.
In light of this information, one could argue that the health benefits of veganism provide a compelling case for its adoption, even beyond considerations of environmentalism and animal rights.
Considering the current pandemic, it’s pertinent to note that certain health conditions, such as heart disease and obesity, increase the likelihood of severe outcomes from COVID-19. Given that these conditions are less prevalent in vegans, the implication is clear: a vegan population could potentially fare better in combatting such pandemics.
Furthermore, the association of the coronavirus with wet markets, particularly the infamous one in Wuhan, underscores the importance of reducing zoonotic diseases—illnesses transmitted from animals to humans. Eliminating wet markets could significantly diminish the risk of future outbreaks.
In 2016, a research group at the University of Oxford projected that switching to a vegan diet could prevent 8 million deaths globally by 2050, primarily due to reductions in heart disease and obesity-related fatalities. The adage rings true: "The sausage is the cigarette of the future."
A shift towards veganism could lead to decreased mortality rates, increased longevity, and a much-needed reduction in the burden on healthcare systems.
Section 1.1: Environmental Impact
Veganism has become synonymous with climate justice, frequently discussed in both activist circles and mainstream media. But how does a global shift to veganism impact the environment?
The answer is overwhelmingly positive. A study correlating with the aforementioned 8 million death prevention estimate reveals that adopting a vegan diet could reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions by 29-70%. Currently, food production accounts for approximately 14-15% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with a financial impact nearing half a billion GBP in climate damage costs.
Despite concerns about veganism's contribution to deforestation—particularly in the Amazon—it's essential to recognize that the majority of soy production globally is directed towards animal feed rather than human consumption. Thus, it is not the vegan diet itself but livestock farming that drives significant deforestation.
If we were to eliminate animal products from our diets entirely, we would require less agricultural land for crop production by 2050 than we did in 2000, despite population growth. Conversely, maintaining current meat consumption levels could necessitate a 50% increase in land usage. Currently, livestock farming consumes 77% of agricultural land while contributing only 17% of global calories and 33% of protein.
Imagine a world where we wisely utilize our land, addressing global hunger and reforesting areas to absorb excess CO2 emissions.
Section 1.2: Addressing Animal Welfare
A crucial question arises: what happens to the billions of animals currently bred for food if society transitions to veganism? Each year, the global livestock industry breeds and slaughters over 60 billion animals, the majority being chickens.
The thought experiment of an overnight shift to veganism raises concerns about the fate of these animals. However, the transition to a vegan society is unlikely to happen suddenly. Changing consumer demand will gradually influence supply, leading farmers to adjust their breeding practices accordingly.
If, hypothetically, the world went vegan overnight, several outcomes could occur for the animals:
- Immediate culling to prevent financial losses (likely a popular choice).
- Placement in sanctuaries or with pet owners.
- Release into the wild.
None of these scenarios would be worse for the animals than their current fate, indicating that an immediate shift to veganism could ultimately be more humane than maintaining the status quo.
Chapter 2: Envisioning Zoopolis
In their work "Zoopolis," philosophers Sue Donaldson and Will Kymlicka propose a theoretical framework for a vegan future. They argue that abolishing animal exploitation is insufficient; instead, we must recognize the citizenship of various animal species, both domestic and wild, and ensure their rights and needs are met.
To build a post-animal-exploitation society, we must undergo a radical transformation in how laws regard animals. This change will require generations of advocates and lawmakers dedicated to representing animal interests and securing their rights.
Ultimately, the journey begins with individual choices. By halting the consumption of our fellow Earthlings, we can set the foundation for a more compassionate and equitable world.
The first video, "How the Planet Would Transform on a Vegan Diet," explores the environmental and health changes that could occur if more people adopted veganism.
The second video, "Veganism could save the planet. Here's why," delves into the positive impacts of a vegan lifestyle on global sustainability and health.