The moral argument for being plant-based
Veganuary 2023

The moral argument for being plant-based

The moral argument for being plant-based and vegan is a compelling one, grounded in a concern for the well-being of animals, the environment, and our own health. The rise of veganism as a lifestyle choice reflects a growing awareness of the ethical and environmental implications of our food choices. In this blog, we will explore the moral argument for being plant-based and vegan, examining issues such as climate change, biodiversity, health and wellbeing, and animal cruelty.

No alt text provided for this image
Lara and I with Prof. Peter Singer, May '23

One of the most significant reasons for adopting a plant-based diet is the impact of animal agriculture on climate change. According to the United Nations, animal agriculture is responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions than the entire transportation sector combined. The production of meat, dairy, and eggs requires large amounts of energy, water, and land, contributing to deforestation, soil degradation, and water pollution. As Peter Singer, a prominent animal rights philosopher, argues, "animal agriculture is not sustainable and is contributing to the destruction of the environment." By choosing a plant-based diet, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and help mitigate the impact of climate change.

In addition to its impact on the environment, animal agriculture also has a devastating effect on biodiversity. The destruction of natural habitats to create more land for livestock farming leads to a loss of species diversity and can drive some animals to extinction. As William McCaskill, a philosopher and founder of the effective altruism movement, notes, "we need to consider the impact of our food choices on the wider ecosystem and the welfare of all sentient beings." By reducing our consumption of animal products, we can help preserve biodiversity and protect the natural world.

Beyond its impact on the environment, the moral argument for being plant-based and vegan is also rooted in concerns for our health and wellbeing. A plant-based diet has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer. According to the American Heart Association, "vegetarian diets, including vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases." By choosing a plant-based diet, we can improve our own health and wellbeing, as well as reduce the burden on healthcare systems.

Perhaps the most compelling moral argument for being plant-based and vegan is the issue of animal cruelty. The production of animal products requires the use of factory farming methods, which involve the confinement and mistreatment of animals in often overcrowded and unsanitary conditions; 80 billion of them every year! The ethical implications of factory farming are profound, as Singer notes: "the suffering of animals in factory farms is immense and unjustified, and it is our moral obligation to reduce this suffering as much as possible." By choosing a plant-based diet, we can avoid supporting the cruel treatment of animals and promote a more compassionate approach to food production.

The moral argument for being plant-based and vegan is a powerful one, rooted in concerns for the well-being of animals, the environment, and our own health. As Singer notes, "we need to recognise the ethical implications of our food choices and the impact they have on other beings and the environment." By choosing a plant-based diet, we can make a significant contribution to the fight against climate change, preserve biodiversity, improve our own health, and reduce animal cruelty. As McCaskill reminds us, "we have a moral responsibility to consider the consequences of our actions and make choices that promote the greater good." Adopting a plant-based lifestyle is a way to live out this responsibility and make a positive impact on the world.

Nicklas Lindewald CMVP?

General Manager at Metimur Energy - Solar PV, LED and Heat Pumps for large energy users

1 年

Luckily it's not just great for our planet, it's also great for our health. Just add B12.

Lucie Berreby???

Multilingual Luxury Real Estate Specialist at The Agency RE - Toronto | @Realtor |Bachelor in Linguistics | Impact Economics | Advocate for all animals

1 年

Great repost! I’m also reposting ;)

Alex Johnson

Global Talent Attraction Leader @ EY | Insights-driven Talent Strategist | Tech Evangelist

1 年

A great summary, Terence. As another potential weapon in the anti-animal product arsenal, I am excited about the continued development of lab-grown meat. I know that, currently, it takes far too much energy and resources to be sustainable. But given the technology's infancy, I wonder if this could make the conversion away from factory farming and animal products substantially easier for those more stubborn meat-eaters of the world?

Gareth Jenkins

Global Creative Leader @ EY | Sustainability | Storytelling | A better future for all

1 年

??

Terence Jeyaretnam

APAC Leader & Partner, Climate Change & Sustainability Services, EY

1 年

For all non-human mothers out there, on mother's day

要查看或添加评论,请登录

Terence Jeyaretnam的更多文章

  • Top 10 Sustainability Markers - January 2025

    Top 10 Sustainability Markers - January 2025

    The ESG Markers becomes Sustainability Markers. Why? ESG is a term that is mainly used in investment circles whereas…

    5 条评论
  • Top 10 ESG Markers - December 2024

    Top 10 ESG Markers - December 2024

    The month of December covers the 2024 the stalling of global plastic treaty talks, US Republican States sue asset…

    3 条评论
  • Top 10 ESG Markers - November 2024

    Top 10 ESG Markers - November 2024

    The month of November covers the 2024 State of the news from the biodiversity COP16, EU Parliament weakening…

    1 条评论
  • Top 10 ESG Markers - October 2024

    Top 10 ESG Markers - October 2024

    The month of October covers the 2024 State of the Climate report, new report by the Australian Security Leaders Climate…

    5 条评论
  • Being a survivor of Black July has shaped how I roll

    Being a survivor of Black July has shaped how I roll

    It has taken me forty years. Forty years, to rationally and emotionally piece together why I am, who I am.

    216 条评论
  • Top 10 ESG Markers - September 2024

    Top 10 ESG Markers - September 2024

    The month of September covers the Royal Assent of the landmark climate reporting legislation in Australia, the Ecocide…

    8 条评论
  • Top 10 ESG Markers - August 2024

    Top 10 ESG Markers - August 2024

    The month of August covers the Australian climate risk Bill passing the Senate, study showing surf ecosystems as carbon…

    7 条评论
  • Top 10 ESG Markers - July 2024

    Top 10 ESG Markers - July 2024

    The month of July covers Australia’s climate crisis and heat-trapping emissions, persistent global warming, rapid…

    2 条评论
  • Cultural Diversity: A Key to Effective Environmental and Climate Action

    Cultural Diversity: A Key to Effective Environmental and Climate Action

    In the face of escalating environmental challenges and climate change, the significance of cultural diversity cannot be…

  • Top 10 ESG Markers - June 2024

    Top 10 ESG Markers - June 2024

    The month of June covers renewables dominating new US electricity generation in 2024, China introducing new carbon…

    3 条评论

社区洞察

其他会员也浏览了