After undergoing five documented mass extinctions, experts believe that Earth is currently experiencing its sixth, according to Science Advances. These extinctions weaken the food chain on a major scale, limiting access to nature’s food sources. However, similarly detrimental effects on the environment can stem from contributions on a smaller scale, such as the consumption of meat and its respective production.

The David Suzuki Foundation reported that the production of livestock across the globe contributes to 70% of agricultural land use and creates 18% of all greenhouse gases, including methane and nitrous oxide. These greenhouse gases directly contribute to global warming, trapping heat in the atmosphere and absorbing energy vital to the environment, as explained by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

Moreso, meat production further damages the environment through the chemicals used in the process, according to Scientific American. 

“The production, processing and distribution of meat requires huge outlays of pesticides, fertilizer, fuel, feed and water while releasing greenhouse gases, manure and a range of toxic chemicals into our air and water,” Scientific American reported. “Red meat such as beef and lamb is responsible for 10 to 40 times as many greenhouse gas emissions as common vegetables and grains.”

Junior Melody Lin of Freehold was raised vegan and continues to follow the lifestyle today. Lin touched on the matter, stressing the benefits veganism has on the environment.

“The environmental impacts were not in my mind when I became vegan,” Lin said. “But I do believe that the meat and dairy industry hugely contribute to the climate issues we face today.”

A study conducted by the University of Oxford supports Lin’s beliefs, reporting veganism as the “single biggest way” for people to reduce their carbon footprint. The study suggests that reducing the regular consumption of meat and dairy products “could reduce an individual’s carbon footprint from food by up to 73 per cent,” as explained by the Independent. 

Junior Erin Burke of Allentown briefly followed a vegetarian diet in 2016 but said that she did not consider the environmental advantages in her decision to do so. Burke further explained that, despite its benefits, plant-based diets also have some drawbacks.

“I think it could both help and hurt [the environment],” Burke said. “If the whole world went vegetarian, I definitely think we could have a problem with animal overpopulation because the circle of life is a real thing. But, I feel like there could be so many good things that can come out of it, too.”