Today, it has become essential to know about the impact of animal agriculture and the necessity for people to shift towards sustainable food systems. Animal agriculture has a significant impact on the environment, public health, and resource consumption. It accounts for 14.5–20% of global greenhouse gas emissions (primarily methane), occupies 77% of agricultural land, yet contributes only 18% of global calorie intake. Additionally, 50% of the world’s harvest is used for livestock feed.
Shifting to plant-based diets can help reduce land and water use by 50% and food-related emissions by 70–80%. As the conversation around sustainable food systems grows, it is essential to explore alternatives such as plant-based diets, regenerative farming, and improved animal welfare practices.
Humane Society International in collaboration with the Regional Directorate NSS, Government of India, New Delhi, organized a Roundtable discussion on Plant-Based Food for Sustainability and One Health.
The NSS Programme Officers from SRMIST Kattankulathur, Ramapuram, and Vadapalani—Chennai actively participated in the roundtable discussion. The discussions helped them gain valuable insights into the impact of animal agriculture and the need for a shift towards Sustainable Food Systems, which in turn helped them move forward and further promote sustainability initiatives on their campuses.
