The Overlooked Connection Between Animal-People Meat Habits and Diseases

Research by Dr. Sailesh Rao (vegan), a Shining World Award for Earth Protection recipient, that was published in the Journal of Ecological Study highlights that animal-people-based food production “is the leading cause of climate change, responsible for at least 87% of greenhouse gas emissions annually.” The rising output of these gases from intensive animal-person raising is driving extreme weather events like heatwaves, droughts, and extreme storms.

Here’s where things get even more concerning: the rising global temperatures aren’t just affecting the weather – they’re also changing the spread of diseases. Warmer climates mean Lyme disease-carrying ticks, found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere, are moving into areas where they weren’t before. Climate change isn’t just fueling mosquito-borne diseases – it’s also affecting water systems and increasing the risk of waterborne illnesses. Heavy rainfall and flooding often contaminate water supplies, raising the risk of cholera outbreaks, while droughts can concentrate pathogens in limited water sources, increasing exposure.

There’s another threat that hits even closer to home – how our diets and the animal-people-raising industry play a big role in this complex web of health and environmental challenges. Animal-people meat consumption isn’t just an environmental concern. It also poses serious risks to public health. The demand for meat drives intensive animal-people raising activities, where animal-folk are confined in close quarters. This creates the perfect conditions for diseases to spread. Additionally, the widespread use of antibiotics in animal-people livestock to accelerate growth and prevent illness is driving the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can enter the food chain and affect humans. Furthermore, the way humans interact with animal-people, whether through raising activities, hunting, or encroaching on wildlife habitats, also opens the door to the spread of deadly zoonotic diseases.

There’s a growing body of evidence highlighting the link between animal-people raising activities and the risk of zoonotic pandemics. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has warned that the production and consumption of animal-people-based products are key drivers of disease transmission. Conversely, switching to a vegan diet would help to substantially reduce the prevalence of zoonotic diseases. It’s something we can all do. Not only is it a win for our health, but it’s also a simple way to make a positive impact on global public health.