Veganism Charity Viva Encourages Switch to an All-plant Diet at Demonstration in Glasgow

By Lewis Galloway and Sarah McCallum

With COP26 putting Glasgow on the world’s stage, the main focus is to become more environmentally friendly, whether that be reducing our carbon footprint or changing our lifestyles.

UK-based vegan charity Viva gathered activists in George Square to raise awareness of how our diets can change to help combat climate change.

26-year-old Will Sorflaten from Bristol, a member of Viva said: “Studies have shown that going vegan is the single biggest thing that we can do to protect the planet.

“Animal agriculture is one of the leading causes of the climate crisis, from deforestation, water use, greenhouse gas emissions, especially emissions from rudimentary animals such as cows and sheep.

“I think that the governments have met for the next two weeks in Glasgow for COP26 to tackle climate change but have made no mention of animal agriculture and are focussing on fossil fuels.”

“The governments have to change and have to stop ignoring animal agriculture, they need to address it as soon as possible.

“They’re missing the elephant in the room when it comes to the climate crisis.”

According to the United Nations, more than one million species may be wiped with animals and plants disappearing up to 1000 times faster than what is natural. Viva’s position is that more people should be changing to a vegan diet.