Food is very fundamental to our existence as it is the only resource-consuming aspect of our lives which around 8 billion people engage in at least three times a day. The food industry, however, is responsible for a substantial portion of greenhouse gas emissions. By transitioning to a plant-based diet, or even reducing meat and dairy consumption, you can significantly lower your carbon footprint. Animal agriculture contributes to deforestation, methane emissions, and excessive water usage.
Veganism is a plant-based diet that excludes all animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of people adopting a vegan diet. This rise in veganism is due to a number of factors, including:
Growing awareness of the environmental impact of animal agriculture
The production of meat and dairy products is a major contributor to climate change, water pollution, and deforestation. As people become more aware of these environmental impacts, they are choosing to adopt a vegan diet as a way to reduce their impact on the planet.
Increased availability of vegan products
In the past, vegan products were often difficult to find and expensive. However, in recent years, there has been a surge in the availability of vegan products, making it easier and more affordable for people to adopt a vegan diet.
Growing public interest in health and wellness
There is a growing body of research that suggests that a vegan diet can have a number of health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, and obesity. As people become more interested in their health and well-being, they are choosing to adopt a vegan diet as a way to improve their health.
Statistics & Developments Around Veganism
Number of vegans
According to a 2022 survey by Ipsos MORI, there are an estimated 88 million vegans worldwide, up from 79 million in 2021. This represents about 3% of the global population.
Number of vegans in the United States
The number of vegans in the United States is estimated to be around 10 million, or about 2% of the population. This number has been steadily increasing in recent years, with a 600% increase in the number of vegans between 2014 and 2022.
Sustainability benefits
A vegan diet produces significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than a meat-based diet. According to a 2018 study, a vegan diet can reduce an individual’s carbon footprint by up to 73%.
Vegan food market
The global market for vegan food is expected to reach $24.3 billion by 2025.
Vegan restaurants
The number of vegan restaurants has increased by 600% in the past five years.
Health benefits
- Reducing the risk of heart disease: A vegan diet can help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Reducing the risk of cancer: A vegan diet can help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as colon cancer and breast cancer.
- Reducing the risk of obesity: A vegan diet can help to promote weight loss and prevent obesity.
- Improving blood sugar control: A vegan diet can help to improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes.
The rise of veganism is a sign of the times. As people become more aware of the environmental, ethical, and health benefits of a plant-based diet, we can expect to see even more people adopting a vegan lifestyle in the years to come.