I came across this study whilst watching an Earthling Ed YouTube video and I was really pleased I did. This study is a fascinating look at two things I am passionate about, becoming a more sustainable planet and vegan lifestyle. In the case of this study, the vegan way of life comes under the microscope for all the right reasons. I don’t know the diets of the various authors, but if they are not entirely vegan or mostly vegan by the end of it, I would be amazed.

The study looks at the various food systems that exist in our society and how these systems affect the planet in their own way. It looks at all parts of the supply chain in this respect and provides a variety of easy to understand graphics with veganism always coming out on the right side of the equation.

For vegans this is nothing new. Whilst we don’t all know the exact science, you can make an educated guess on the benefits of being vegan just from being surrounded by the vegan lifestyle. Everything just seems to point towards the planet benefiting from this life choice. But this study should be an eye opener for any non-vegan. It should be harrowing, the effect what we eat can have on our planet.

Theurl et. al. looked at 520 scenarios and found 313 to be feasible in our pursuit of 2050 targets. But there was great difference between the high meat diet and the vegan diet. In the vast majority of angles that they looked at, veganism didn’t only come out on top, but often having a positive impact that gave back to the planet as opposed to taking away.

You don’t need me to regurgetate the facts and findings, you can get this study for free by searching on Google. But rest assured, this study is both fascinating and pleasing to know that there is hope if our world would only heed the advice.

Food systems in a zero-deforestation world: Dietary change is more important than intensification for climate targets in 2050 – Theurl et. al. 2020
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