General

The way in which food is produced and consumed has significant impacts on the environment, the climate, animals, and human health. The production of animal-based foods, in particular, frequently features as a central focus of scientific research, as it requires more resources—and is associated with various environmental burdens—compared to many plant-based foods. Consequently, a vegetarian or vegan diet can yield positive effects in several areas.

One key factor is the land requirement associated with livestock farming. Large tracts of agricultural land are needed for the production of meat, milk, and eggs. A substantial portion of this land is not used directly to feed humans, but rather to cultivate animal feed crops—such as soy or corn—for livestock. As a result, a significant amount of land is indirectly utilized for livestock farming. In some regions, the rising demand for animal feed also contributes to the conversion of natural ecosystems into agricultural land.

Greenhouse gas emissions also play a significant role. Livestock farming generates various greenhouse gases, including methane—produced during the digestion of ruminants—and nitrous oxide, resulting from the use of fertilizers and animal manure. Additionally, emissions are generated during the production of animal feed, during transport, and during the processing and refrigeration of animal-based products. On average, plant-based foods typically result in significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Another environmental consideration concerns animal manure and nutrient surpluses. In regions characterized by intensive livestock farming, vast quantities of manure are generated and subsequently applied to agricultural fields as fertilizer. If more nutrients are applied than plants are able to absorb, these excess nutrients can leach into the soil, rivers, or groundwater. This can pollute water bodies and lead to problems such as excessive algal growth.

Beyond environmental considerations, animal welfare also plays a significant role. Many people choose to adopt a vegetarian or vegan diet because they wish to reduce the use of animals for food production. In the long term, a reduced demand for animal-based products can contribute to a decrease in the number of animals confined within intensive farming systems. Another point concerns the use of antibiotics in livestock farming. In commercial livestock production, antibiotics are used to treat diseases or to prevent their spread. Frequent or improper use can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Such resistance is considered a growing global challenge for public health.

Health and Nutrition

The question is often raised as to whether a vegetarian or vegan diet might be detrimental to health. However, scientific professional societies point out that a well-planned vegetarian or vegan diet is, in principle, feasible and poses no health risks. Plant-based foods contain many important nutrients, such as dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals.

Misconceptions also frequently arise regarding protein intake. Proteins are not found exclusively in animal products; many plant-based foods also contain significant amounts of protein—for example, legumes (lentils, beans, chickpeas), nuts, seeds, whole-grain products, or soy products. Through a varied diet, it is entirely possible to obtain sufficient protein without consuming meat or other animal products.

Examples from the world of sports demonstrate that a plant-based diet is also compatible with high levels of physical performance. A well-known example is the strongman athlete Patrik Baboumian. He has followed a vegan lifestyle for many years and, among other achievements, won the title of "Germany’s Strongest Man" in 2011. Baboumian also holds several records in strength sports.

Summary

A vegetarian or vegan diet can offer various benefits. It can help reduce the amount of land required for agriculture, lower greenhouse gas emissions, decrease environmental pollution, and reduce the use of antibiotics in livestock farming. At the same time, many people choose this dietary lifestyle for ethical reasons.

Furthermore, if it is well-planned and balanced, a plant-based diet can provide all essential nutrients and is fully compatible with high levels of athletic performance. Therefore, many experts view it as a potential dietary approach that can take into account both health and ecological aspects.

Sources (German)

1. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Climate Change and Land, https://www.ipcc.ch/srccl/, last seen: 06.03.2026
2. Umweltbundesamt, Umweltwirkungen der Landwirtschaft: https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/themen/landwirtschaft, last seen: 06.03.2026
3. Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO), Antimicrobial resistance, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance, last seen: 06.03.2026
4. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung, Vegetarische und vegane Ernährung, https://www.dge.de/ernaehrungspraxis/vegetarische-und-vegane-ernaehrung/, last seen: 06.03.2026