Universities’ reasons for their switch to veganism

The switch to veganism is becoming somewhat of a growing trend, promoted heavily by the media as a way to tackle climate change. Given the media attention, it’s unsurprising UK universities and student societies have decided to also jump on the vegan bandwagon.

It’s a worthwhile cause too. According to a recent UN report on climate change which was cited in an article for the Guardian: “Animal products cause more damage than [producing] construction minerals such as sand or cement, plastics or metals. Biomass and crops for animals are as damaging as [burning] fossil fuels.”

However, whether students will respond positively – and whether it’s the most effective way for universities to be ‘doing their part’ – remains to be seen.

Limiting students’ choice

Some farmers are arguing that the move towards veganism is a limiting choice and an unnecessary way to approach the problem of climate change. When asked about her views on the University of  Cambridge’s decision, Rachel Carrington from National Farming Union NFU in the UK told the BBC it was "disappointing the university is taking this overly-simplistic approach".

Supporting this, the UK’s NFU released a report this month acknowledging the contribution that agriculture is making to carbon emissions and explaining how they plan to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

“We can deliver on our commitment to NET ZERO while retaining, if not growing, our agricultural capacity,” it says. This will reportedly happen in several ways, including improving farming’s productive efficiency, improving land management, changing land use to capture more carbon, and by boosting renewable energy and the wider bioeconomy.

Given these changes, does it make sense for UK universities to turn their backs on British farmers? Students may also be disgruntled by the restricted food options available to them, especially given the cost of attending university in the first place.