Is the shift to a more sustainable diet the solution to a range of problems faced by the livestock sector? Could a transition to a plant-based diet offer solutions for our health, the environment, and animal welfare? And how significant is the role of subsidies and compensations in perpetuating a situation that ultimately causes more problems than it solves?
Each day, sheep and goats in different areas in Greece are being affected by the plague. The outbreak began in Thessaly and later spread to the Peloponnese, Attica, and Crete. This recent epidemic has brought to light a number of critical issues concerning the relationship between animal product production, human health, and the environment.
Historically, the overreliance on animal products has been linked to the spread of zoonotic diseases. Recent examples include avian flu and mad cow disease. While we may be reassured that the sheep and goat plague does not impact human health, it clearly demonstrates how easily and rapidly a disease can spread among animals across different regions of Greece, causing significant problems.
To date, outbreaks have been identified in 35 farms across Greece. According to official figures, 13,000 animals have been culled, but this number is expected to rise.
This incident is not just a health issue for the livestock industry. Instead, it highlights many broader problems associated with intensive animal farming.
Could Choosing a Plant-Based Diet Offer Meaningful Solutions?
The environmental impacts of livestock farming are among the consequences we face when choosing to consume animals and animal products. The livestock industry is responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions, such as methane and carbon dioxide. Additionally, it consumes vast amounts of water and land and contributes to deforestation. Plant-based diets have been shown to have a smaller environmental footprint, requiring fewer natural resources and causing less pollution. Thus, by choosing a plant-based diet, we can all contribute to addressing the global climate crisis and protecting ecosystems.
The ethical dimension and treatment of animals also play a crucial role. Who can deny that animals have the capacity to feel pain and emotions? That they, too, have the right to life and freedom? Intensive farming often involves practices that cause severe pain and stress. In many cases, protocols, guidelines, regulations and laws concerning animal welfare, are not followed.
The result of our behavior can be summed up in one phrase: Violence to death. The sheep and goat plague and reports of inhumane practices, such as burying live animals, are a wake-up call and underline the need for a more ethical approach to our diet.
Furthermore, subsidies and compensations play a significant role. Livestock farming receives substantial subsidies for its operation and compensation for any losses in livestock. Many even resort to illegal methods and false claims to receive subsidies and compensations, as recently occurred in Serres. These funds come from the taxpayers.
At the same time, livestock farming poses another risk with serious economic consequences. In a country like Greece, where health care is a public benefit and treating patients is free, more diseases mean more patients and more spending in healthcare costs. It is well known that the consumption of meat and animal products causes numerous health issues such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and even cancer. So, instead of investing money in shifting towards sustainable forms of agriculture, money are used to address the negative consequences caused by meat consumption.
On the other hand, a plant-based diet offers multiple benefits for animals, the planet, and our health. Especially about health, the consumption of plant-based foods is associated with reduced risks of serious illnesses. A plant-based diet is usually rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage. The absence of saturated fats and cholesterol, helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and, consequently, the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, studies have shown that plant-based diets can aid in better blood sugar control. Increased consumption of dietary fiber also improves digestive health and helps maintain a healthy body weight. The vitamins and antioxidants in plant foods boost the immune system, offering further protection against various diseases. Finally, abstaining from animal products also reduces exposure to antibiotics and hormones used in intensive farming, which can have negative effects on human health.
In conclusion
The recent sheep and goat plague in Greece is a reminder of the dangers associated with intensive animal farming and the consumption of animal products. Vegetarianism offers an alternative solution that protects human health, respects animal rights, and contributes to environmental sustainability. Transitioning to a plant-based diet is not only a choice that promotes personal well-being but also an act of responsibility towards the planet and all living beings.