We lost sight of the fact that our lavish lifestyle had a significant environmental cost because we were too preoccupied with the idea of quick progress, an affluent lifestyle, pricey conveniences, delectable food, and other such things. We must stop and think about how to preserve the beauty and lushness of our planet for a very long time.
In this context, switching to a plant-based diet is becoming a conscious effort to assist developing countries in achieving their climate-related goals. Additionally, it doesn’t necessary imply that you should quit indulging in delectable Mutton Korma or tangy Butter Chicken. The intention is to substitute healthier, more ecologically friendly meat with conventional meat derived from animals. A revolutionary invention that has made it easier for everyone to support environmental preservation is plant-based beef.
Traditional animal-based meat versus plant-based meat A 2018 survey by the Ipsos Global Advisor platform found that 73% of people worldwide are omnivores (eat both animal and non-animal products). Did you know that 80 billion animals are killed every year to satiate the demands of these 73% of people who choose to consume meat? You might be astonished to hear that this problem involves more than just animal abuse.
Studies show that conventional beef contributes 60% of all food production’s greenhouse gas emissions, the same greenhouse gases that trap the sun’s rays and considerably accelerate global warming. Furthermore, we cannot ignore the vast quantities of water and land required for animal agriculture. The Water Footprint Network found that 2422 Gm3 of water are required annually for animal production globally. According to the study, producing animal products requires far more water than cultivating crops.
Similar claims are made in other surveys, which state that just 71% of the planet’s land area—the other 29% being ocean—is viable for human existence. Furthermore, only 50% of this area can be used for cultivation. The fascinating thing about this is that, although producing only 18% and 37% of the world’s caloric and protein, respectively, animal farming still takes up 7% of this enormous agricultural area. In contrast, crops grown on 23% of all agricultural land provide 63% of the protein and 82% of the calories consumed globally (excluding feed).
Therefore, it is essential to think about whether we are using a lot of our limited resources for very little gain. The aforementioned data raise the question: Given that it is clearly known that animal agriculture contributes significantly to the escalating rate of climate change and the degradation of environmental circumstances, why do humans continue consume a diet that is based on animals? Isn’t it time to promote plant-based meat as a nutritious, high-protein, and healthful alternative? Yes!! The environment is better off with plant-based meat.
The fact that it is now possible to generate imitation plant-based meat thanks to the ever-evolving nature of food technology allows every meat lover to reduce their carbon footprint while still enjoying the foods they love. As long as there is less demand for meat produced from animals, there will be less need for animal husbandry. Because soy, pea protein, and other carefully chosen ingredients make up the majority of plant-based beef, tests have shown that it emits much less GHG gases than regular meat.
Of course, you shouldn’t be concerned about sacrificing your taste for the sake of others. Consumers may still enjoy their favourite non-vegetarian foods with a sustainable, healthier, and plant-based twist thanks to the hard work of today’s foodtech entrepreneurs. The fact that these meat alternatives for the environment are high in protein, nutritious, and cholesterol-free is their strongest feature. It is possible to live a guilt-free, healthier, sustainable, and environmentally responsible lifestyle by switching to a plant-based diet that includes meat. Keep in mind that a single, planned change in nutrition could start a chain reaction that eventually reduces the number of animals raised for food. The planet will become a healthier, greener, and more sustainable place to live as a result, benefiting both people and animals.
(source : IANS)
