
The UN has released an in-depth climate change report prepared by 107 leading scientists. They have advised that switching to a plant-based diet would be hugely beneficial to our planet, but the immediate reaction from the public is one of outrage, disbelief and claims of propaganda.
The major report on land use and climate change warns that high consumption of meat and dairy is driving global warming.
The document prepared by the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) explains that more people can be fed using less land if people consumed less meat, leading to lower carbon emissions.
But despite the clear benefits of going plant-based, the UN is falling short of advising people to go vegan.
Prof Pete Smith, an environmental scientist from Aberdeen University, UK, told the BBC: “We’re not telling people to stop eating meat. In some places people have no other choice. But it’s obvious that in the West we’re eating far too much.”
Despite the huge amount of evidence on offer, meat eaters have reacted with fury to the report.
The top comments on a BBC article which explained the scientists’ conclusion reveal a sense of denial. Many focus on the world’s growing population, downplaying the importance of diet.
Others accuse the BBC (and UN, presumably) of ‘Vegan propaganda’.
While others were more interested in their own lifestyles than the health of the planet.
Another sombre perspective argued people are unlikely to change their habits.
Twitter saw a similar sentiment from meat eaters.
Analysis
For most vegans, the new report will come as no surprise.
Anyone who has watched pro-vegan documentaries such as Earthlings or Cowspiracy will know all too well the damage animal products do to our planet.
But the immediate reaction is split between two ways to ignore or belittle the report’s conclusions.
Some outright reject a document from some of the world’s leading scientists and cry ‘Fake News’.
And the other half immediately jump to blame something else – population growth.
Yes, population growth is contributing to global warming, but to the vast majority of people there’s nothing we can do to prevent it in our day-to-day lives (apart from not having children).
But there IS something we can do about our diets. When evidence is staring you in the face that you as an individual can make a difference, it is pure laziness to simply say ‘someone else should do something about it’.
Are you surprised by the reaction to the UN’s report? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Lifestyle
Vegan culture, food, beauty & more
8 practical ways you get your loved ones to quit eating meat
- Mohsina Dodhiya
- 31st March 2023
Eating meat has long been a contentious issue, with people often having strong opinions on both sides of the discussion. For those who are committed to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, it can be difficult to watch their loved ones continue to consume meat. However, there are ways to have a constructive and persuasive conversation …
Continue reading “8 practical ways you get your loved ones to quit eating meat”
The Lord of the Rings franchise under fire after horse dies on set for the second time
- Mohsina Dodhiya
- 27th March 2023
PETA renews calls for Hollywood to replace animals with CGI Amazon’s television series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has come under fire after a horse died during rehearsals for a season 2 scene in the UK. The horse was one of about 30 on set that day and died of cardiac …
VEGAN MEMES
NEED A LAUGH?
QUIZZES
All the quizzes you love to binge!
QUIZ: If you score 11/12 on this quiz, you’re a verified vegan food expert
- Marlon Farrugia
- 10th January 2020
How much vegan knowledge do you have stored away? Do you have to Google your way through a shopping trip, or do you have all the bad E-numbers memorised? Find out now with this quiz. Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a dedicated vegan for many years, and …
Continue reading “QUIZ: If you score 11/12 on this quiz, you’re a verified vegan food expert”
QUIZ: What is your perfect Vegan Halloween Costume?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 13th October 2019
Spook Season approaches. There will be ghosts, goblins, ghouls, and glucose. You need a costume, and you want to it to show off your personality, which means VEGAN. But what to choose? Take our quiz to find out your perfect outfit. Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a …
Continue reading “QUIZ: What is your perfect Vegan Halloween Costume?”
QUIZ: What kind of vegetable are you?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 26th September 2019
“If you were a vegetable, what kind would you be?” A question that has tormented humanity throughout the ages – until now. Read: QUIZ: If you score 19/20 on THIS quiz, you’re a Vegan God Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a dedicated vegan for many years, and …