Want Climate Action? Start With Your Plate

The world is heating faster than expected. A top climate scientist just declared the 2°C target “dead,” with extreme weather events already devastating lives. Governments talk about solutions while emissions keep rising. Frustration is understandable - but waiting for politicians to fix the problem isn’t a strategy.  

The reality? Change starts with what we normalise. And right now, most people still treat using animals as inevitable. That’s a problem, because the way we produce food and clothing is a climate disaster.  

Food Production is Driving the Crisis

Animal agriculture is a leading cause of deforestation, water pollution, and methane emissions. A large-scale study found that going plant-based significantly reduces environmental damage:  

- 75% fewer emissions

- 75% less land use

- 75% less water pollution

- 93% lower methane emissions

Food systems matter. And while shifting away from using animals won’t solve everything, it’s one of the most immediate and effective actions individuals can take.  

Your Choices Shape Accessibility

One common excuse for inaction is that plant-based options aren’t accessible to everyone. That’s true in some places. But what’s also true is that accessibility improves when demand grows. The more people who make the switch - especially those with the means to do so - the easier and cheaper it becomes for others.  

This is how change happens. The things that are becoming normal today - electric cars, plant-based milks, reusable bags - were once niche, expensive, or inconvenient. Early adopters create the shift that makes ethical choices easier for everyone.  

Change Yourself, Then Push for More

Expecting governments to take bold action while personally funding the industries they should be regulating sends mixed signals. It’s not about blaming individuals, it’s about recognising that normalising plant-based choices pressures policymakers and businesses to act faster.  

Leaders follow public demand. If the world still looks like it’s clinging to the past, they’ll be in no hurry to change. But when enough people reject industries built on exploitation, policies follow.  

The climate crisis is urgent, and every action counts. The most effective approach? Stop waiting. Do what you can today, and then demand more from those in power.