- Question
What are the pros and cons of vegetarianism?
Vegetarianism has been adopted by different people and cultures since the beginning of human history. However, up until recently, vegetarianism has primarily been a lifestyle resulting from religion or distaste towards meat. With the rise of interest in a vegetarian lifestyle, what are the pros and cons of vegetarianism?
Pros of vegetarianism
This position sets out the case for vegetarianism, holding that it benefits both personal wellbeing and the environment. It argues that giving up meat reduces disease risk, spares animals from cruelty, and cuts carbon emissions — and that eating meat is, in any case, unnecessary or wrong.
Cons of vegetarianism
This position sets out the cons of vegetarianism. It argues a meat-free diet can cause nutritional deficiencies by lacking important nutrients, that it does not necessarily help the environment—sometimes carrying a large carbon footprint—and that it can damage traditional regional diets.