Does Eating Less Meat Fight Climate Change? CA Study Says Yes

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CA — Switching to a vegetarian diet would have a bigger positive impact in the fight against climate change than many other environmental measures, according to research conducted at Loma Linda University Health.

A worldwide change in food choice would have a bigger impact than other proposed fixes, like cutting food waste and improving agricultural technology, according to the study, co-authored by Joan Sabaté, a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Loma Linda's School of Public Health.

The research analyzed 49 published studies focusing on the impact of vegetarian and vegan diets on greenhouse gas emissions and use of water and land.

Shifting to meat-free diets would cut greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 35 percent, reduce land usage for food production by 42 percent, and agricultural water usage by 28 percent, according to the study.

The effect of our diets on the environment has made news in recent weeks, with all-vegan meals being served at Hollywood award shows including the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards.

“Many other studies have clearly demonstrated the health advantages of vegetarian and vegan diets,” Sabaté said in a news release. “This analysis confirms that switching to these types of diets are also significantly eco-friendly as well.”