Lush tropical plants fill the interior of the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory at Myriad Botanical Gardens on Friday, July 4, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (Allison Bennett)
What if the solution to climate change and the current health crisis were as simple as deciding what to eat for your next meal? A shift toward plant-based eating is one of the most impactful actions one can take to improve their personal health and reduce environmental harm.
According to the American Heart Association, those who consume less meat have reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type two diabetes and many cancers. The American College of Lifestyle Medicine says that populations that consume mostly whole-food, plant-based diets have an overall lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Plant-based diets are low in saturated fat and cholesterol, but high in fiber, antioxidants and essential nutrients. People can increase their lifespan and experience fewer medical complications by choosing to eat plant-based meals.
Plant-based eating can also reduce environmental harm. Climate change is a serious threat to public health and the environment. According to Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, animal agriculture is the leading cause of deforestation and biodiversity loss. It occupies 83% of all agricultural land but accounts for only 18% of the calories consumed globally. Switching to a plant-based diet could reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions by 29-70%. For this reason, eating more plants and less animal products is a direct form of climate action.
Some argue that plant-based diets are unrealistic, expensive or nutritionally inadequate. The consensus among health professionals is that there are no known adverse effects to partially or fully reducing the consumption of animal products. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says that "Appropriately planned vegetarian and vegan dietary patterns can be nutritionally adequate and can offer long-term health benefits such as improving several health outcomes associated with cardiometabolic diseases." A recent survey by the Physicians' Committee for Responsible Medicine found that 70% of adults in the United States say meat is the food item they spend the most money on. In contrast, plant-based protein staples such as beans, legumes, tofu and oats are among the most cost-efficient items found at the grocery store.
A plant-based diet can dramatically lower your risk of disease, protect our planet's ecosystems and reduce the strain on our resources. If you care about your health and the future of our planet, consider making small changes to your diet. Embracing plant-based eating isn't about perfection or restriction. It's simply a way to align your values with your habits and recognize your power as a consumer. By reducing our reliance on animal products and adopting a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes, we can contribute to a healthier population and help mitigate environmental harm.
