What If The World Went Vegetarian

AsapScience's song "What If The World Went Vegetarian" delves into a thought-provoking experiment: envisioning a world where everyone adopts a vegetarian lifestyle. The song begins by acknowledging the current low rates of vegetarianism globally, with notable exceptions like India. It then explores the potential environmental and social impacts of a global shift to vegetarianism.

One of the primary environmental benefits highlighted is the significant reduction in land use. Currently, vast areas are dedicated to pasture and growing animal feed. If the world went vegetarian, much of this land could be repurposed or allowed to revert to natural ecosystems, potentially aiding in climate change mitigation. The song also emphasizes the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane from livestock, which has a much higher warming potential than CO2. Additionally, the shift would lead to a substantial decrease in water consumption, as producing meat is far more water-intensive than growing crops.

However, the song also addresses the potential downsides and challenges of a global vegetarian shift. The loss of livestock would mean the disappearance of many by-products like leather and animal fats, which are used in various industries. Moreover, the livelihoods of over a billion people, primarily small-scale farmers in developing countries, would be at risk. Transitioning to alternative agricultural practices or industries would be necessary but challenging. The song concludes by noting that while a sudden global shift to vegetarianism is unlikely, gradual changes in dietary habits could still have significant impacts. Interestingly, current trends in countries like India and China show increasing meat consumption, counterbalancing declines in other regions.

AsapScience's exploration of a vegetarian world is both enlightening and thought-provoking, encouraging listeners to consider the broader implications of their dietary choices on the planet and society.