Delhi – “Too Hot?” says Hollywood hottie Pamela Anderson on a billboard that no one arriving at Indira Gandhi International Airport can miss – courtesy of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India – drawing attention to the role of animal agriculture in the global climate catastrophe marked by high temperatures, droughts, and floods, among other disasters and advising them that going vegan is the answer. In recent months, Delhi has experienced unusually high temperatures, nearing 50°C.
Veganism to save the planet:
Scientists emphasize the consensus that going vegan is a powerful step towards saving our planet. Hollywood star and former Big Boss contestant, inspired by this cause, encourages world leaders to take charge and lead the way in advocating for a vegan lifestyle. Anderson and PETA India are hopeful that G20 member countries will promote climate change mitigation by encouraging their citizens to adopt responsible and sustainable eating habits through veganism.
Groundbreaking research conducted at the University of Oxford reveals that embracing a plant-based diet can drastically reduce an individual’s carbon footprint by up to 73%. Moreover, a global shift towards veganism could potentially save 8 million lives by 2050, cut greenhouse gas emissions by two-thirds, and generate significant healthcare-related savings. Experts estimate that this transition has the potential to prevent climate-related damages of up to US$1.5 trillion.
Opting for a vegan lifestyle not only contributes to the well-being of our planet but also fosters compassion towards animals. In industries such as dairy, where calves are often separated from their mothers, choosing veganism helps reduce immense suffering. With an astonishing 92.2 billion land animals slaughtered annually, it is crucial to recognize the importance of ending the confinement and mistreatment they endure. By embracing veganism, we can promote a world where chickens can spread their wings freely, piglets are not subjected to painful procedures without anesthesia, and fish are treated with respect and empathy.
(Picture and information, courtesy: PETA India)
Nivi Shrivastava