What if We All Went Raw Vegan?

A global shift towards a predominantly plant-based, raw food diet, adapted to regional growing conditions, would have profound effects on both land use and global health. Such a transformation would significantly alter agriculture, ecology, social structures, and economic impacts, while also fostering a healthier population.

Currently, about 77% of the world’s agricultural land is used for livestock farming and feed production, yet these systems only provide 18% of the world’s calories. By transitioning to a diet primarily focused on plant-based foods, the need for feed crops and grazing lands would dramatically reduce. Studies suggest that such a dietary shift could decrease global agricultural land use by up to 76%, freeing approximately 3.1 billion hectares of land that could be repurposed for reforestation or ecosystem protection. The livestock industry, particularly in regions like the Amazon where nearly 80% of deforestation is linked to animal farming, would see less demand, relieving immense pressure on forests. Millions of hectares of tropical rainforests could be spared, preserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change.

By adopting plant-based diets, which rely on sustainable agricultural practices like permaculture and regenerative farming, the environmental footprint of food production would shrink significantly. Livestock farming currently accounts for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. A plant-based, raw food diet could cut emissions associated with food production by up to 70%, with each person potentially reducing their carbon footprint by 1.5 to 2.5 tonnes of CO? equivalents per year. Less water would also be required for plant-based food production, as growing crops like vegetables and fruits demands far less water compared to raising livestock. Producing 1 kg of beef, for instance, requires about 15,000 litres of water, whereas growing 1 kg of vegetables uses fewer than 500 litres. This could reduce global water consumption in agriculture by 30–50%, a critical factor in water-scarce regions.

This dietary shift would also result in improved biodiversity, as up to 4 billion hectares of land, currently used for grazing and feed crop cultivation, could be restored to natural ecosystems, protecting forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Beyond environmental sustainability, plant-based food systems are much more efficient in terms of land use. Whereas an animal-based diet requires approximately three times more land per person, a raw, plant-based diet would maximise the calorie yield per hectare, making food production more efficient.

This shift would naturally vary depending on region and climate, with tropical areas relying more on fruits, nuts, and seeds, while temperate zones could focus on leafy greens, roots, and sprouts. This regional adaptation would strengthen local food systems, reduce reliance on global supply chains, and enhance resilience against climate and environmental challenges.

The health benefits of a global shift towards raw, plant-based diets would be just as profound. Plant-based diets are strongly linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Heart disease, the leading cause of death globally, could be reduced by up to 30%, thanks to lower intakes of saturated fats and cholesterol. Similarly, rates of type 2 diabetes would likely decline, as plant-based diets are known to improve insulin sensitivity. This would be particularly impactful in regions where diabetes is a growing public health concern. Cancer rates could also see a significant drop, particularly for cancers of the colon, prostate, and breast, as raw, plant-based diets are rich in antioxidants, phytochemicals, and fibre, all of which help protect against cancer development. Globally, adopting such diets could prevent up to 40% of cancers.

A plant-based diet would also help with weight management, reducing obesity rates worldwide. With a focus on nutrient-dense, low-calorie foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts, people would be less likely to overeat. Fibre-rich diets support better digestive health, regular bowel movements, and prevent issues like constipation. Additionally, gut health would improve due to the high intake of dietary fibre, which promotes a healthy gut microbiome, reducing inflammation and improving immunity. Plant-based diets have also been linked to better mental health outcomes, with those on such diets often reporting lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress.

People following a raw vegan diet would naturally increase their intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, all of which are essential for a healthy immune system and overall well-being. However, certain nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids would need to be monitored, and in some cases supplemented, to avoid deficiencies.

The public health benefits would extend far beyond individual well-being, resulting in enormous cost savings for healthcare systems. By reducing the prevalence of non-communicable diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, global healthcare costs could decrease substantially. A 2016 study estimated that a shift to plant-based diets could prevent 8.1 million premature deaths annually by 2050. Furthermore, the overall cost savings in healthcare and lost productivity could amount to up to $6 trillion USD annually.

In addition to the health benefits, the environmental and economic impacts of a global shift to plant-based, raw diets would be transformative. Reduced demand for livestock farming would alleviate pressure on land, water, and other natural resources, while lowering greenhouse gas emissions and protecting biodiversity. Agriculture would become more efficient, and the transition to plant-based food systems could lead to economic diversification, particularly in rural areas. Transportation and energy use associated with the production and distribution of animal products would decline, further reducing the carbon footprint of global food systems.

In terms of the global economy, a shift to raw vegan diets would result in massive reductions in healthcare expenditures, while freeing up land for more sustainable uses. Each household could benefit from lower food costs, as plant-based diets generally require fewer resources to produce. For the global economy, this transformation could potentially generate billions in savings through improved public health, reduced environmental degradation, and lower energy and water use.

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