Animal and environmental activists have lone been trying to convince others to adopt a plant-based diet because of animal agriculture’s negative effects on the planet. It’s been known for a few years now that the amount of animal waste all together at factory farms releases harmful gases into the atmosphere. It also causes air pollution, increases acid rain, and more. But a report recently published by the World Resources Institute tells people with lots of UN-backed evidence that we must adapt vegan or vegetarian diets in order to combat climate change.

The latest World Resources Report, Creating a Sustainable Food Future, explains that “Increasing food production in ways that respect human well-being and the environment presents enormous challenges. Agriculture already uses almost half of the world’s vegetated land, and agriculture and related land-use change generate one-quarter of annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.”

Essentially, the report explains that we must eat differently, more nutritiously, to reduce poverty (feed more people) and reduce greenhouse gases, emissions, loss of habitat, freshwater and pollution. By more nutritiously, the report means more fruit, vegetables, and grains that do not take up as much land or water to produce as animal-based foods.

The report also includes a section dedicated to debunking the myths surrounding protein and meat. They explain that an individual can indeed meet their essential amino acids by “combining different plant-based foods.” Although protein is important, it isn’t necessarily more important unless an individual is undernourished, according to the report.

To learn more about the effects of animal agriculture on the environment, see Facts About Animal Agriculture and Air Pollution and Surprising Ways the Animal Agriculture Industry Directly Affects People.

If you’d like some help transitioning to a plant-based diet, we highly recommend downloading our Food Monster App, which is available for iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 15,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to new recipes every day. Check it out!

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