Chapter 1: Understanding the Impact of Climate Change

For decades, the detrimental effects of climate change have been well-documented. Scientists, including the notable 19th-century Swedish chemist Svante Arrhenius, predicted that climate change could lead to significant alterations in the Earth’s atmosphere, which would ultimately affect the ecosystems dependent on it. Modern research overwhelmingly supports these early concerns.

However, climate change is merely one symptom of a severely flawed system; there are more profound threats lurking beneath the surface. If you consume meat, the very source of this danger might be lurking in your refrigerator, packaged in plastic. Here’s the data:

Livestock farming for meat and dairy is:

• The largest form of land utilization globally (Steinfeld et al., 2006).
• The primary cause of deforestation (Geist and Lambin, 2002).
• The leading factor in habitat destruction (Benton et al., 2021).
• Responsible for 14.5% of total greenhouse gas emissions produced by humanity (Gerber et al. 2013).

Moreover, it has been established that animal agriculture endangers significantly more species than climate change itself (Benton et al., 2021). Supported by the UN Environment Program, this report indicates that agriculture threatens 24,000 out of 28,000 currently endangered species. A majority of agricultural land globally is dedicated to raising or feeding livestock.

We have witnessed the loss of half of the world’s natural grasslands and a third of its forests over the past 300 years (Goldewijk, 2001). The pace of land-use change is accelerating, particularly in tropical areas, which house most endangered species and livestock. However, the bulk of this meat consumption occurs in a few highly developed nations.

Transitioning to a plant-based diet could reduce global land use from 4 billion hectares to just 1 billion (Ritchie, 2021; Poore & Nemecek, 2018). By embracing vegan or predominantly plant-based diets, we could sustainably feed more people with less land.

Natural extinction of species occurs regularly; however, the current rate of extinction is 1,000 times higher than the natural baseline should be (Pimm et al., 2014). This so-called ‘background extinction rate’ is derived from the fossil record and has remained consistent over millions of years. The recent surge in meat consumption and animal agriculture has drastically escalated these extinction rates.

Do you recognize the issue? It’s fundamentally tied to agriculture, specifically animal agriculture.

While there are numerous challenges associated with crop production, such as the detrimental effects of pesticides and herbicides on ecosystems, it’s crucial to note that a significant portion of crops is used to feed livestock. Producing beef is notoriously inefficient, requiring approximately 100 kilocalories of crop feed to yield a mere 2 kilocalories of beef. In what world does this make sense?

Consider the vast expanses of land squandered trying to extract nutrients from beef instead of sourcing them directly from grains like wheat or corn.

The solution is clear, yet 99% of you might resist acknowledging it. It’s a term shrouded in stigma, guilt, and temptation—a concept you've likely encountered with skepticism.

“It’s not for me,” you may think.

But let me assure you: it is essential for all of us. It’s vital for the welfare of every human, every animal, and the planet as a whole. The answer lies in veganism.

Section 1.1: The Larger Picture of Biodiversity Loss

Chapter 2: The Urgency of Change

This video discusses the alarming impact of climate change on global biodiversity and highlights the urgent need for action to protect endangered species.

In this video, Jonathan Lovvorn discusses the intricate relationship between climate change and its effects on animals, emphasizing the necessity for a shift in our agricultural practices.