Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing our planet. Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, have led to a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions, which trap heat in the atmosphere and cause global temperatures to rise.

Animal agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The livestock sector is responsible for approximately 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than the transportation sector. This is due to the methane and nitrous oxide produced by livestock, as well as the deforestation required to create grazing land.

By adopting a vegan diet, individuals can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to the fight against climate change. A study by the University of Oxford found that a vegan diet can reduce an individual’s carbon footprint by up to 73%. This is because plant-based foods have a much lower carbon footprint than animal-based foods.

Water is essential for life, but it is a finite resource. Agriculture is the largest user of water, accounting for approximately 70% of global freshwater withdrawals. Animal agriculture is particularly water-intensive, as it requires large amounts of water to grow crops for animal feed, as well as to raise and process livestock.

By choosing a vegan diet, individuals can help to conserve water. A study by the Water Footprint Network found that a vegan diet requires only about one-third of the water needed to produce a meat-based diet. This is because plant-based foods require less water to grow and process than animal-based foods.

In areas where water is scarce, adopting a vegan diet can make a significant difference. For example, in California, the state’s severe drought has led to water shortages and rationing. By choosing a vegan diet, Californians can help to reduce the demand for water and ease the strain on the state’s water resources.

Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth, from the smallest microorganisms to the largest whales. Biodiversity is essential for the health of our planet, as it provides us with food, clean air and water, and helps to regulate the climate.

Animal agriculture is a major threat to biodiversity. The livestock sector is responsible for approximately 80% of global deforestation, as forests are cleared to make way for grazing land and to grow crops for animal feed. Deforestation is a major contributor to biodiversity loss, as it destroys habitats and displaces wildlife.

By adopting a vegan diet, individuals can help to protect biodiversity. A study by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization found that a vegan diet can reduce an individual’s impact on biodiversity by up to 90%. This is because plant-based foods require less land and water than animal-based foods, and they do not contribute to deforestation.