Is being a vegetarian better for the planet?

Answer 1

It depends on what you'd call a 'better planet.'

If you think there should be more animals, then yes, being a vegetarian can be good for the planet.

If you think that there should be more land for people to live on, more food for them to eat, fewer pesticides, and less greenhouse gas emissions, then being a vegetarian is definitely better for the planet.

The production of meat requires far more water, land, and fossil fuels than the production of the same amount of plant-based food. Up to 16 pounds of grain are needed to produce one pound of beef. Out of the huge amount of pesticide used on these grains, a percentage ends up on the food is destined for animals that are used to produce meat, milk, and eggs. The pesticide concentrates in the bodies of the animals. This pesticide is then eaten by people, and fed to their companion animals. The meat industry generates nearly one-fifth of man-made greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, and many scientists now believe that in the wake of a changing climate, the switch to a largely plant-based diet is necessary to avoid famine.