2024 was officially the hottest year on record, with global temperatures rising 1.6°C above preindustrial levels for the first time. This alarming milestone, which surpasses the critical 1.5°C threshold, has accelerated visible climate effects worldwide.
In response, researchers around the globe are rethinking our food systems and urging a shift away from animal agriculture toward plant-based diets.
A recent study published in Oxford Open Climate Change reveals that up to a third of global greenhouse gas emissions stem from food production, with animal agriculture being a major offender.
Despite its outsized impact, this sector often flies under the radar in climate discussions. The study calls for systemic changes, including a shift toward plant-based diets, higher taxation on animal products, and the removal of government subsidies for unsustainable farming practices.
Animal agriculture drives deforestation, freshwater depletion, and soil degradation, while the increasing global demand for meat is poised to double by 2050. This growth could devastate ecosystems, with 80 percent of forests and shrublands projected to be converted into livestock-raising land.
Alongside environmental concerns, health risks are mounting, from antibiotic resistance to chronic diseases linked to animal product consumption. Researchers emphasize that a plant-based diet not only reduces environmental harm, but also offers significant health benefits and cost-savings.
Within our .earth tribe, there are several .earth organizations that are encouraging plant-based diets including:
- AncientandBrave.Earth: This organization creates thoughtfully formulated vegan supplements to support a balanced, plant-based lifestyle. Learn more here.
- AnimalFriendly.Earth: This is a podcast out of Galway Ireland that focuses on meeting and interviewing people that work with and care for animals. Learn more here.
- YourLight.Earth: This .earth tribe member created an easily printable vegan shopping list to get you started on your plant-based journey. Learn more here.
- Viable.Earth: This .earth tribe member covered why the meat and dairy industry giants have a hold on vegan brands in this article. Learn more here.
Does your organization advocate moving towards a plant-based diet? The .earth web domain is ideal for enhancing your brands and communicating your mission of creating a safer planet through platforms for social and environmental activism.
To learn more about the .earth domain, visit Voices.Earth. In addition, many organizations and individuals are sharing their voices about the benefits of a .earth domain in our Voices.Earth podcast series.
