Last month the UK temperature reached a record high for June of 37.7C. Living in the South East of England I experienced temperatures of 34C and the combined heat and humidity was certainly a challenge.
Already in July temperatures have passed 30C.
Climate scientists are clear that the increasing frequency and intensity of these heatwaves is caused by the rising concentration of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) such as Carbon Dioxide and Methane in the atmosphere. [1]
We often hear the phrase, “Get used to the New Normal”. Unfortunately this is a false hope. The truth is that the recent heat wave is merely a step to dangerous even hotter temperatures. [2]
Instead of the New Normal, do we need to get used to the No Normal? An alarming prospect for anyone who thinks about it.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. There are still choices that can be made by individuals and governments. And this is where taking up a plant based diet can make a difference. Vegan diets reduce the GHG emissions pollution which cause Global Heating. They also address other crises which contribute to the Polycrisis facing humanity [3].
Plant based diets will not be a magic wand to solve the climate crisis. There is no magic wand. The burning of fossil fuels is the primary source of GHG emissions, but plant based diets must also be taken up on a large scale to have any chance of fixing this crisis
Here are ten ways that a vegan diet addresses the causes and effects of climate change
- Reduces Carbon Dioxide Greenhouse gas emissions
- Reduces Methane Greenhouse gas emissions
- Increases Reforestation
- Increases Biodiversity
- Improves Fresh Water quality
- Improves Food Security
- Improves Individual Health
- Benefits Community Health
- Improves Animal Welfare
- Tackles the Polycrisis
If taking a single action could make a difference in just one of these areas, it would already be worthwhile. What is remarkable is that shifting towards a more plant-based diet has the potential to positively influence all ten
Why does that matter? Think about the things you value most. Your favourite sport. Holidays and travel. Your work. A cool, comfortable place to study. A pleasant home. A peaceful walk through the countryside. Climate change is already affecting all of these.
The simple step of including more plant-based foods into our diet is one of the most accessible and effective steps many of us can take to help these things continue as we know them, and to protect the world for future generations.
And, of course, there are many more reasons to take up plant-based diets. At the National Emergency Briefing, Professor Paul Behrens presented a slide showing 15 wins for a plant-rich diet [4]
References
[2] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8e2j0j87reo
‘Hotter and hotter and hotter’ – Europe’s new climate in seven charts
4th July 2026
[3] https://www.veganpieces.org/climate/a-climate-of-truth-book-extract/
[4a] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvjJ8Ag0-z0
Youtube presentation by Paul Behrens
[4b] https://www.veganpieces.org/climate/the-national-emergency-briefing-food-security/
