The world is waking up to the interconnected crises of climate change, health, and animal exploitation. With that, a growing number of people are realizing veganism is more than just a dietary choice. It is a valiant, compassionate movement for change. People from all walks of life are embracing a lifestyle that seeks to promote sustainability, ensure a healthier future, and end animal cruelty.
Despite the increasing momentum, some believe that veganism represents only a niche movement, or that its growth may be overstated. While there are criticisms that downplay its impact on climate change, health, and animal welfare, the facts tell a different story.
As this article will show, veganism is on the rise, transforming our relationship with the planet and with animals. Here are seven reasons why the rise of veganism is unstoppable and is on its way to becoming the normal way people interact with other sentient beings.
1. Environmental Concerns
One driving force of the vegan movement is a deep concern for the environment. Animal agriculture is a primary contributor to environmental destruction, contributing significantly to deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates that farming animals for food accounts for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions [1]. Shifting to plant-based diets would drastically reduce these emissions and help preserve the ecosystems that are essential for life on Earth.
2. Health Benefits
“The evidence is clear that plant-based diets are healthier and more sustainable than diets heavy in animal products. Studies consistently show that vegans have lower rates of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.” – Dr. Neal Barnard, President, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
The health benefits of veganism are undeniable. Research supports that a well-planned vegan diet can reduce the risk of major chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Processed meats, for example, are listed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (World Health Organization) as Group 1 carcinogens—the same rating as tobacco and asbestos [2].
On the other hand, a study published by the American Association of Cancer Research reported that “vegan diets showed statistically significant protection for overall cancer incidence” [3]. As more people become aware of the health risks associated with high consumption of animal products, including processed meats and saturated fats, they are turning to plant-based diets to improve their overall health and longevity.
3. Ethical Concerns for Animals
“The question is not ‘Can they reason?’ nor ‘Can they talk?’ but ‘Can they suffer?'” – Jeremy Bentham, Philosopher
At its core, veganism is a moral and ethical stance against all forms of animal exploitation. Animal welfare is a driving force behind the rise of veganism. Many people are choosing to go vegan because they are deeply concerned about the cruelty inherent in animal agriculture. Each year, countless animals endure immense suffering in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions. According to a survey by the Sentience Institute, around 74.6% of people express discomfort with how animals are treated in the food industry; 91.8% recognize animals experience pain similar to humans [4].
Beyond food, veganism advocates for the elimination of all animal exploitation. This includes ending the use of animal-based products for clothing. Vegans understand that animal skins and coverings, such as leather, wool, feathers, and fur, belong to the animals, not the fashion industry. Vegans also reject the use of animals for entertainment, such as in circuses, carriage rides, rodeos, and marine parks. Veganism stands against animal testing in cosmetics and medical research. It is a movement that seeks to protect animals from all forms of human harm, recognizing their right to live free from suffering and exploitation.
4. Social Media and Celebrity Influence
“I became vegan after reading the book (Eating Animals)… I think it just really made me aware of how the factory farming world doesn’t let us see what’s going on. It’s so hidden, and you’re not even allowed to talk about it. They sue people for even talking about the industry, and it’s because there’s a lot to hide.” – Natalie Portman
Source: Us Weekly
The rise of social media has been a game-changer for the vegan movement. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have allowed advocates, influencers, and celebrities to promote plant-based lifestyles around the world. High-profile figures like Joaquin Phoenix, Serena Williams, Billie Eilish, Miley Cyrus, Woody Harrelson, and Lewis Hamilton have used their influence to highlight the benefits of veganism and inspire millions. Social media has extended the reach of the vegan movement, making it more accessible, relatable, and popular.
5. Younger Generations Driving the Change
“Sustainability and ethics are really important to me on a personal level, and that has greatly influenced how I have created my own vegan brand. And I also think that’s why so many other Gen Z people have become regular customers.” – Kyle Frank, 26-year-old vegan entrepreneur
Source: The Ethicalist
Younger generations are leading the vegan movement. Surveys show that people aged 18-39 are more likely to adopt vegan diets than older age groups. In the U.S., 7% of people aged 18-19 identified as vegan in 2022, while in the UK this age group is also much more likely to embrace plant-based lifestyles [5]. Generation Z and Millennials are more mindful of the environmental and ethical impacts of their food, clothing, personal care, and entertainment choices, and they are using their consumer power to demand change from industries that profit from animal exploitation.
6. Technological Advances in Food Production
One of the key factors behind the rise of veganism is the technological revolution in food production. Innovative companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods have developed plant-based alternatives that are similar to animal products in taste, texture, and nutrition. These advancements have made it easier for people to transition to vegan diets without feeling like they are missing out. This is only the beginning.
Investments in plant-based food technology have been rising rapidly over the past decade. In the U.S., over $3.2 billion has been invested in plant-based and alternative proteins since 2018, with nearly $1 billion directed toward plant-based meat alone. Venture capital funding has also surged, with $4.5 billion raised by startups in the last decade. This growth reflects strong consumer interest in sustainable food alternatives. As food technology continues to evolve, the availability and variety of tasteful, affordable plant-based options will only improve, further accelerating the shift toward veganism [6].
7. Trends Towards a Vegan World
Critics argue that the growth of veganism has been overstated, citing recent declines in plant-based meat sales as evidence. In 2023, plant-based meat and seafood sales were lower than the year before. Additionally, the number of households purchasing these products decreased. Animal agriculture campaigners suggest that the vegan trend may be more of a fad with limited staying power.
However, while some sectors like plant-based meats have experienced short-term setbacks, the overall trajectory of veganism remains strong. Projections for the global plant-based food market indicate a significant increase in the near future, reaching $113 billion by 2031. This represents a total growth of 254% from the 2023 market value of $44 billion [7]. Additionally, plant-based dairy products, such as almond and oat milk, continue to gain market share. The ethical, health, and environmental drivers behind veganism show no signs of fading, and the sustained movement for change is poised to multiply.
When given data about recent trends towards veganism, the powerful AI system ChatGPT forecast that the world could become predominantly vegan by 2073. The prediction is based on continued growth in awareness of the environmental and health advantages of plant-based diets, as well as increasing ethical concerns about animal welfare [8]. The timeline envisions major shifts in consumer behavior, market demand, and food technology, leading to a collapse of factory farming as the widespread adoption of plant-based diets takes over.
So, despite short-term market fluctuations, the most recent data supports a positive long-term outlook of significant momentum, with plant-based food markets expected to see substantial growth globally. While challenges remain, the combination of technological advancements, growing consumer demand, and strong ethical advocacy suggests that veganism will continue to rise, transforming industries and societal norms alike.
Conclusion
The rise of veganism is more than just a trend; it is a movement for change perhaps like no other in scale. Driven by health, environmental, and ethical concerns, people around the world are embracing a plant-based lifestyle that seeks to end animal cruelty, protect the planet, and promote personal well-being. As more people recognize the benefits of veganism, and as industries evolve to meet the growing demand for plant-based products, veganism is set to become a dominant force in shaping the future of food, culture, and our relationship with animals.
References
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations “Tackling Climate Change Through Livestock” 2013. Read More
- World Health Organization “Cancer: Carcinogenicity of the consumption of red meat and processed meat” October 2015. Read More
- Tantamango-Bartley Y, Jaceldo-Siegl K, Fan J, Fraser G. “Vegetarian Diets and the Incidence of Cancer in a Low-risk Population” Adventist Health Studies 2013. Read More
- Sentience Institute “Animals, Food, and Technology: Survey: 2021 Update”. Read More
- Statista “Share of vegans by age group in the U.S. 2022”. Read More
- Camoin Associates “Changing Consumer Trends Drive Increased Investment in Alternative Proteins and Plant-Based Foods” June 2024. Read More
- PR Newswire “Plant-Based Food Market Is Projected To Reach $113.05 Billion By 2031, At A CAGR Of 12.3% From 2024-2031–Exclusive Report by Meticulous Research®” September 2024. Read More
- The Daily Mail “AI predicts majority of the world will be VEGAN by 2075 – thanks to Gen Z and Millennials” December 2023. Read More
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