Reduction of Greenhouse-Gas Emissions by Chinese Buddhists with Vegetarian Diets: A Quantitative Assessment

Abstract

The equivalent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs) by Chinese Buddhists with vegetarian diets is quantitatively evaluated. By analysing data obtained from a national study, correlation analyses are performed to obtain appropriate formulas to predict the dietary GHGE by using meat consumption as the only input. To demonstrate its reliability, the prediction from the formulas developed is first compared with the results of a food-production study using a difference approach. Then the quantitative study of equivalent GHGE reduction due to Chinese Buddhists with vegetarian diets is presented. An assessment of the vegetarian population amongst Chinese Buddhists is also included in this study. The results indicate that Chinese Buddhists with vegetarian diets account for the equivalent GHGE reduction of 39.68 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent, which is a sizable amount and is equal to 7.2 and 9.2% of the GHGEs from United Kingdom and France in 2012, respectively. In modern times, the vegetarian practice of Chinese Buddhism should attract more Buddhists or lay people to follow, if the additional environmental and health benefits of vegetarianism could be emphasised. The resultant impact for the equivalent reduction of GHGEs could be even larger and the human-induced global warming problem could be further alleviated.