Why veganism is not enough to save the planet

COMMENT: In June, Science journal published the biggest analysis to date about the environmental impact of food, pointing out how our reliance on meat, eggs and dairy is terrible for the planet. This was not the first time the livestock industry and its global detriment have been addressed. In fact, it's been well documented for years.

A huge amount of land and resources are required to raise livestock. Of all the world's agricultural land, 83 per cent is devoted to livestock even though it produces only 18 per cent of our global calorie intake. Millions of hectares of land have been cleared for pasture – to create one kilogram of meat, roughly five times that amount of grain is required. It is estimated that the waste produced by livestock contributes to 18 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions as well as polluting our oceans.

When these points are discussed, there is often the response that we must all become vegan to save the planet. The prospect of a vegan diet is proving to be less incredible, and more of a necessity. But although veganism is a logical answer to this problem, it's unfortunately not the correct one.

I'm not against veganism. In fact, I was vegan for six years. It's a great lifestyle that embraces ethical eating and is one of the more environmentally friendly diets out there. But suggesting it'll save the planet is naive; a shallow response to a more complex series of problems that exist beyond the livestock industry.

Veganism in this context only offers a less-harmful option compared with the livestock industry. Veganism doesn't address, for example, the overpopulation of feral, native and introduced species – a problem proving itself to be incredibly destructive for many ecosystems. Although it produces less pollution, veganism offers no direct solution to the restoration of our oceans and waterways. And unless you're eating local, the mass-production and transporting of fruits and vegetables isn't too great for the environment either.

We must not simply boycott the livestock industry, but support industries that are sustainable and offer a solution to the environmental crisis.

For example, kangaroos are currently overabundant. Kangaroo meat is locally sourced and supporting this industry could help cull kangaroos and reduce the impact they have on the environment and other wildlife. Bivalves such as oysters and mussels are tremendous for bioremediation of our oceans, especially when farmed. Being bottom-feeders, all bivalves filter passing currents of excess nutrients.

These are only two examples, but there are many more ways direct human intervention focusing on sustainability can address this issue, such as eating invasive species such as carp and simply embracing locally grown produce. Whatever it may be, the need to support industries that have a minimal environmental impact and provide a solution to complex issues is vital. There's more to the story than meat is bad and plants are good.

Sam Nichols is a freelance journalist and former vegan who now eats kangaroo and oysters.