What If the World Went Vegan? A Review of the Impact on Natural Resources, Climate Change, and Economies

Abstract

Contemporary knowledge on climate change has given rise to a group of advocates who suggest global veganism as an adaptive means of mitigating the threat of climate change. Livestock farming is accused of contributing massively to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Some studies suggest that eliminating meat from the diet (i.e., moving to a vegan diet) can reduce GHG emissions globally, while other studies suggest that livestock farming may make a smaller contribution to GHG emissions compared to previous estimates. A paradigm shift in agricultural production is expected to have direct impacts on natural resources, biodiversity, and economies. However, crop-only production and an exclusively vegan diet may lead to the loss of important plant and animal genetic materials, increase pressure on land and water resources, and exacerbate problems with agricultural crop residues. This “all in one basket” approach may affect the global meat trade, change the dynamics of some economies, and threaten food security in the event of pest and disease pandemics. This review found that crop-based ideology would make a huge contribution to reducing GHG emissions, while the integrity of land and water resources could be threatened in the future. Agricultural policies need to develop appropriate instruments to ensure food security, consumer preferences, and environmental protection and to provide a fair income for farmers worldwide. Global stakeholders in the agri-food sector, from policy makers to farmers, need to be engaged in a coherent policy to reduce the C footprint in our diets, protecting the (agri)environment and securing incomes.

Fusing Gastronomy and Rural Development within Sustainable Food Systems

“…There is a slight global increase in the number of vegetarians and vegans, driven by various factors such as health concerns, climate change, and animal welfare considerations. (Dorgbetor et al, 2022). However, traditional rural diets often rely heavily on animal products, which may not align with the dietary preferences of tourists who follow vegan or vegetarian diets.…”

Psychological differences and similarities between vegans, prospective vegans, and vegetarians. Motivation, knowledge, vegan literacy – and cheese

“…Besides many animal rights and animal welfare issues, diet has a major impact on both the individual’s ecologic footprint and health. There is substantial evidence supporting the fact that animal products and animal-based foods have a negative impact on the environment, and this evidence includes, for example, the related increased emission of greenhouse gasses (e.g., Notarnicola et al, 2017 ; Chai et al, 2019 ; Rabès et al, 2020 ; Allenden et al, 2022 ; Filippin et al, 2023 ; McDougall, 2023 ; Scarborough et al, 2023 ; see, however, also Rosi et al, 2017 ; Vettori et al, 2021 ; Dorgbetor et al, 2022 ). Similarly, vegan diets are associated with potential health benefits (e.g., Wirnitzer, 2020 ; Selinger et al, 2022 ; McDougall, 2023 ).…”

Feeding Hungry Soils of Northern Ghana using Kitchen Waste as Compost

“…Therefore, this implies the rearing of animals and cultivation of crops. Farmers obtain benefits from this system as some animals are used in land preparation, serve as insurance against crop failure [3] and their droppings are a source of soil amendment especially at the onset of the rainy season. In fact, a study by Herve and others [4] in 2016 indicated, 31% of farmers in Northern Region (not to be confused with northern Ghana) amend their soils using organic manure sources varying from animal droppings, crop residue and compost.…”