It looks like in today’s scenario, becoming a vegan or vegetarian has a lot to do with the physique. While some people are turning vegan because of its life-transforming health benefits, others are concerned about animal’s safety. Also, embracing vegetarianism reduces the chances of obesity, lowers blood pressure, and prevents you from severe diseases.

But do you know that according to reports, more youngsters are turning into a vegan or vegetarian? Climate changes concern prompt youth to go vegan. For instance, Mia Kelly, 17 years old folk singer/songwriter, decided to turn into a vegetarian after the last fall’s climate strike in Ottawa. She said,

“After that, climate change was really on my mind a lot. And then I realized that switching to a vegetarian or vegan diet was the biggest thing I could do as an individual.”

Her friend said she doesn’t miss eating meat that much.

According to 2018 Dalhousie University study, people who are around 35 years old or less are three times more vegetarian than who are older than 40. The principal investigator of the study Sylvain Charlebois said,

“In 2018, we estimated that 6.4 million Canadians already follow a diet that restricts meat partially or completely. But now we’ve already revised this number to 10.2 million. Things are changing really fast, faster than ever really.”

He believes that this number would continue to increase as people would pass this trend to their kids. This would affect greenhouse gas emissions and change the food industry. Popular celebs like Billie Ellish are urging their followers to give up meat and dairy products and to become responsible for the environment.

Kingston Walters, one of the kids from Vancouver, said,

“It’s not only for the animals but for our health and for climate change. Being vegan is the best way to save our planet. It’s not going to be here anymore if we all just stand back and watch.”

Greenhouse Emissions and Meat Consumption Affect Climate Change

Around 15-20% of greenhouse gas emission is related to livestock. The report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reported that reduction in meat consumption and plant-based diet strongly affected climate change.

Canadians have decreased pork consumption from over the last two decades and included protein sources like chickpeas, legumes, and other products, to balance the nutrient levels. Several companies like Maple Leaf and Cargill have introduced meat alternatives by offering more vegan protein options in grocery stores. Also, a well-balanced vegetarian diet could provide the needs of the body.

Earlier, it was believed that a vegan diet doesn’t provide sufficient nutrients to the body, but a few of such vegan diet myths were proved wrong. Also, some people believed that when you take a complete veg diet, then you miss protein and other important vitamins required by the body. But consuming a vegetarian diet covers it all. Several vegetarian myths are debunked and made people aware of its benefits.

Final Words

It is good to see people becoming aware of the environment changes and putting efforts to save it. They know the risks associated with animal products and health changes.

So, whether you are a vegan or vegetarian, if you are reducing the consumption of meat and animal products, then you are contributing a lot to the environment.