In 2006, the Food And Agriculture of the United Nations released a 400-page report entitled "Livestock's Long Shadow."It showed that animal agriculture is responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions than all forms of transportation combined.  Since then, other studies have suggested the greenhouse gas emission percentage cited in the study are grossly underestimated and that the effects from agribusiness are, in actuality, far more severe. The implication of these studies is that even a modest reduction in our use of animal products can dramatically reduce greenhouse gas production.  

Additionally, vegan food can feed many more hungry people than resource-intensive and wasteful animal products can.

Aside from being better for the planet, a plant-based diet is also healthier.   T. Colin Campbell in the China Study, one of the longest nutritional studies ever done showed undeniable links between the consumption of animal products and the development of many diseases.  We can, by modifying our diets, remain healthier and prevent many diseases.

There are many reasons to switch to a plant-based diet.   But the one in the forefront for me is the ethical one.  Billions of animals live horribly deprived, and painful lives in CAFO's (confined animal feeding operations), also known as factory farms.  They die excruciating deaths - all for our greedy and selfish appetites.  With the amount of healthy vegan food available to us, there is NO excuse for this.