Plant-based diets, such as vegetarian and vegan diets, are proven to reduce damage to the environment caused by food production processes. A recent analysis was done, surveying 55,000 people in the UK, and 38,000 farms in 119 different countries on several food options and their production processes. The research, which is published in the journal Nature Food and conducted by Oxford University professor Peter Scarborough, reveals that the lowest-impact meat – organic pork – produces approximately eight times more climate damage than the highest-impact plant - oilseed. The researchers then suggested introducing policies to meet the UK’s climate targets. However, the ministers repeatedly stated that they would not tell people what to consume.
Furthermore, Professor Neil Ward from the University of East Anglia stated that dietary shifts away from animal-based food options can contribute to reducing the UK’s overall environmental footprint. The global food system emits approximately one-third of the total gas emissions in 2023 and states that 70% of the world’s freshwater and 75% of land is used for agriculture through environmental degradation, which causes vast losses in biodiversity.
Plant-based diets can be analysed through various dietary indices such as the Healthy and Unhealthy Plant-based Diet Indices. According to a 2022 research analysis that was conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health, an unhealthy plant-based diet index indicates higher consumption of refined grains, fruit juice, and sugary drinks. On the other hand, a healthy plant-based diet index indicated higher consumption of whole fruits, grains, nuts, and tea/coffee.
From a health and wellbeing perspective of plant-based diets, although it is safer for the environment, it is important to make the right dietary choices and know the impacts on the human body as well. Striking the right balance between health and well-being, while also minimising your environmental impact at the same time, is the best approach to plant-based diets.
Citation
Carrington, D. (2023). Vegan Diet Massively Cuts Environmental Damage, Study Shows. The Guardian. [online] 20 Jul. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/20/vegan-diet-cuts-environmental-damage-climate-heating-emissions-study.
Musicus, A. (2022). Healthy plant-based diets better for the environment than less healthy plant-based diets. [online] Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Available at: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/healthy-plant-based-diets-better-for-the-environment-than-less-healthy-plant-based-diets/ [Accessed 27 Feb. 2024].
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