Implications if the World Became Vegetatian--Pros and Cons opus 834
| 3 May 2026 1547 Hours | | Diet, Behavior, Biology, Climate, Conservation, Custom, Environment, Farming, Finance, Food, Medical, Mortality, Science, Warfare |
I have wrestled with this question for a long time.
Complete vegetarianism worldwide is most unlikely,
But I have pondered a list of pros and cons, should this ever occur.
There would be tremendous changes in public health,
The environment, and the world economy.
This shift could prevent millions of premature deaths,
As well as drastically lowering carbon emissions.
However, more than a billion people would face
Huge economic disruption in their lives requiring a lifestyle change.
Worldwide agricultural land use would be reduced by 75%.
An area the size of Africa would be freed up, implying land recovery.
Considering the Climate Crisis, food-related greenhouse
Gas emissions would be reduced by almost two-thirds.
Human-caused emissions from livestock make up 15%.
Water conservation would be significant with shifting ag practices,
Which today use 70% of the global fresh water.
While a kilogram of vegetables uses 300 liters of water,
One kilogram of beef requires 15,000 liters of water.
Reduced grazing would foster the return of forests and grasslands,
Which would greatly aid in CO2 absorption.
Complete vegetarianism would probably lead to a longer-living population,
However, we would need to adjust to more people surviving.
By 2050 there will be an estimated 7 million fewer deaths per year.
With the new diet, it would lower the risks of heart disease,
Type 2 diabetes, strokes, and various types of cancers.
Due to fewer food-related chronic illnesses, global medical costs
Might be reduced by 2 to 3% of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
There would be severe economic and social hurdles,
Especially for those with livelihoods in the livestock industry.
About 1.3 billion people are employed in the animal product industry.
It is estimated that about a billion people are currently in poverty.
For nomadic peoples such as the Mongols or the Berbers,
Tied to their livestock, a forced urban life would cause them cultural loss.
Without careful planning for a proper, balanced diet,
Uninformed populations could face deficiencies
In vitamin B12, iron, iodine, and calcium.
There would be an increased reliance on artificial fertilizers,
With the loss of animal agriculture and manure production.
In conclusion, the world would be greener and healthier,
But the collapse of the livestock economy would need
Prevention of possible social upheaval
And support programs to transition workers into new industries.