Published 17:37 IST, June 5th 2024

World Environment Day 2024: Benefits Of Plant-Based Diet On Nature

To combat the climate crisis and resource depletion, it's crucial to incorporate more plants into your diet. This offers abundant benefits to the environment.

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Plant based diet | Image: Unsplash
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Over the past few decades, people have become increasingly concerned about their health and the environment. Many individuals have proactively integrated plant-based meals into their diet. However, it's crucial to understand the profound benefits of a plant-based lifestyle and its significant impact on the environment.

Benefits of plant-based diets for the environment

To combat the climate crisis and resource depletion, it's crucial to incorporate more plants into your diet. This lifestyle change offers abundant benefits to the environment.

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(A representative image | Image: Unsplash)

Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Animal agriculture significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, mainly through methane from livestock and nitrous oxide from agricultural practices. These gases account for a staggering 60% of farming’s total emissions. Shifting toward a more plant-focused diet is a constructive step to significantly lower your carbon footprint and combat the effects of climate change effectively.

Conservation of Natural Resources

As the population grows, the demand for resources increases, straining availability and contributing to climate change. It is a fact that plant-based foods generally require less water, land, and energy compared to animal agriculture. You must take action to conserve these resources and promote sustainable land use by choosing plant-based alternatives.

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(A representative image | Image: Unsplash)

Preservation of Biodiversity

Biodiversity is crucial for sustaining life on Earth. Unfortunately, animal agriculture often leads to deforestation and habitat destruction to create space for grazing land and feed crops. Shockingly, around two-thirds of all agricultural land is designated for animal grazing, leaving just a third for growing crops, whether for livestock or human consumption. By reducing our reliance on animal products, we can play a significant role in preserving natural habitats and protecting countless plant and animal species.

Water Conservation

Livestock farming relies heavily on water for drinking, irrigation, feed growth, and processing. By contrast, plant cultivation boasts lower water usage, thereby promoting resource conservation.

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(A representative image | Image: Unsplash)

No Animal Cruelty

Transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle offers a positive way to help prevent animal cruelty. The practices of industrial animal agriculture often prioritize profit margins over the well-being of livestock, resulting in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, routine antibiotic use, and inhumane treatment. By choosing plant-based alternatives to popular meat products, we can actively reduce the demand for factory-farmed products, thereby decreasing the number of animals subjected to suffering and exploitation in the food industry. Additionally, making smaller switches, such as opting for pasture-raised meats or free-range eggs, can contribute to reducing animal abuse.

14:04 IST, June 5th 2024