Population Health

The health risks associated with animal products, particularly red meat, are well-documented. While it's important to note that one can still be an unhealthy vegan—often facing B12 and iron deficiencies—numerous studies suggest that veganism can be a healthier choice. For instance:

• Vegans experience less gut inflammation than omnivores.
• They have lower rates of common Western cancers, such as those of the colon, breast, and prostate.
• The incidence of heart disease is significantly reduced among vegans.
• Strokes are also less frequent in this population.
• Although long-term studies are challenging, data indicates vegans tend to live longer, often drawn from groups like the Seventh-Day Adventists who adhere to plant-based diets.

Given this information, there's a compelling argument for veganism, even when excluding considerations of animal rights and environmental impacts.

Considering the current pandemic, certain health conditions increase mortality risk from COVID-19. Conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and obesity are notably less common among vegans, suggesting that if the population were predominantly vegan, we might see improved outcomes in pandemic scenarios.

Moreover, the origins of COVID-19 are often linked to wet markets, raising the question of how zoonotic diseases might diminish in a vegan world. A 2016 Oxford University study projected that switching to a vegan diet could prevent 8 million deaths annually by 2050, primarily from heart disease and obesity.

In a vegan society, we could anticipate fewer deaths, increased life expectancy, and a reduction in the strain placed on healthcare systems.

Environmental Impact and Climate Change

Veganism is frequently associated with climate activism. But just how beneficial is it for the environment if everyone were to adopt a vegan diet?

The answer is quite positive. The aforementioned study revealed that transitioning to veganism could reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions by 29-70%. This shift could translate into an economic benefit of nearly half a billion GBP in climate damage costs.

Concerns surrounding veganism and deforestation, particularly in the Amazon due to soy cultivation, are valid. While a significant portion of soy production is used for animal feed, the focus should remain on sourcing soy sustainably, rather than blaming veganism for environmental destruction.

If we eliminated animal agriculture, we would require less land for crop production by 2050 than we did in 2000, despite population growth. Conversely, if current consumption trends continue, land use could increase by 50%. Currently, livestock occupies 77% of agricultural land but only provides 17% of global calories.

Imagine a world where we utilize land more effectively—not only could it alleviate hunger, but we could also reforest areas, creating habitats for endangered species while sequestering excess CO2.

Addressing Animal Welfare

A crucial concern arises: if we cease killing animals, what happens to the billions we currently breed for consumption? Globally, over 60 billion animals are bred and slaughtered each year, with chickens being the most numerous.

In the UK alone, statistics indicate:

• 1 billion chickens
• 15 million sheep and lambs
• 11 million pigs
• 2.8 million cattle

The transition to a fully vegan world would be gradual, not instantaneous. Demand would decrease over time, allowing supply to adjust accordingly. For example, hens in natural conditions lay only 10-15 eggs annually, while farmed chickens can produce around 300 due to artificial breeding practices.

Farmers would naturally adapt to reduced demand, leading to a decline in animal populations. If a sudden switch to veganism occurred, potential outcomes for the animals could include:

• Immediate culling to minimize financial losses.
• Relocation to sanctuaries or adoption by individuals.
• Release into the wild.

While these scenarios may seem harsh, they are arguably less detrimental than the current system.

Zoopolis: A New Paradigm

Philosophers Sue Donaldson and Will Kymlicka propose a political theory called Zoopolis, envisioning a future where animals are granted citizenship levels reflecting their needs. They argue that true abolition of animal exploitation requires recognizing the rights of all sentient beings.

Achieving this vision will necessitate significant legal reforms and a cultural shift in how we view animals. It will take generations of advocacy to establish and uphold animal rights within our legal systems.

Ultimately, the transition to a vegan society hinges on our collective choices to cease consuming animal products.