RECENTLY, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a report that suggests that if we do not make changes to our lifestyles and habits, then we will be unable to keep global temperatures at the preferred target of 1.5oC above pre-industrial levels.

As a result of this, the report makes a number of recommendations for governments and individuals ­— most significantly, it points out the need to reduce our consumption of meat and dairy products.

According to previous UN reports, 14.5 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions can be attributed to animal farming, whereas motorised transport ­— which includes planes, cars, trucks and ships ­— is responsible for around 13 per cent.

A 2014 study by Oxford University found that the carbon footprint of a vegan diet was as much as 60 per cent smaller than that of a meat-based diet, and 24 per cent smaller that a vegetarian diet.

In addition, a 2018 study by researchers at Oxford University concluded that:

"A vegan diet is probably the single biggest way to reduce your impact on planet Earth, not just greenhouse gases, but global acidification, eutrophication, land use and water use."

In short, if we are to prevent some of the worst impacts of climate change, the best thing we can do is to remove animal products from our diets.

And it has never been easier, with vegan options now available everywhere, including supermarkets, local shops, restaurants and coffee shops.

For those who are interested in making positive changes for the environment, you can order a FREE ‘Go Vegan' pack from Animal Aid by emailing info@animalaid.org.uk, or by calling 01732 364546.

Tod Bradbury

Campaign Manager

Vegan Outreach

Animal Aid