While veganism as a philosophy is purely focused how we treat animals, a plant-based lifestyle also happens to be a highly effective way to combat environmental destruction. Animal agriculture, a leading cause of biodiversity loss and climate change, extends its impact far beyond the animals themselves. It contributes significantly to deforestation, habitat loss, and species extinction, as vast amounts of land are cleared for grazing and feed crops. This exacerbates issues like desertification and land degradation.
Moreover, animal farming consumes staggering amounts of water, diverting resources that could otherwise be used to grow crops directly for human consumption and provide freshwater to communities. Transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle reduces carbon footprints, alleviates pressure on land and water resources, and stands against the environmental devastation caused by animal agriculture.
Source: Our World In Data