Veganism Searches Surpass Climate Change Interest Globally

Jan 7, 2026, 2:44 AM

Climate Change Health Research Innovation

Image for article Veganism Searches Surpass Climate Change Interest Globally

Hover over text to view sources

A new report from The Vegan Society indicates that global interest in veganism is on the rise, with Google searches for the term consistently outpacing those for "climate change." This trend reflects a significant cultural shift towards plant-based diets, particularly as flexitarianism becomes mainstream across various countries.

The report, titled Veganism Around the World, highlights that searches for veganism peaked around 2020 and have since stabilized, continuing to exceed searches for vegetarianism and climate change, aside from occasional surges in interest for the latter. This suggests that more individuals are exploring veganism as a viable lifestyle choice, potentially driven by health, ethical, and environmental considerations.

Polling data from the report reveals that while veganism remains relatively uncommon, flexitarianism—where individuals intentionally reduce their meat and seafood consumption without completely eliminating them—has gained traction. Between 16% to 30% of respondents in ten countries identified as flexitarian, indicating a shift towards more environmentally friendly eating habits. India stands out as a leader in this movement, with 14% of its population identifying as vegan and 26% as vegetarian.

The report also emphasizes that overall sentiment towards veganism is neutral to positive globally, suggesting favorable conditions for its growth. This is particularly evident in countries like India, where cultural norms support plant-based diets, and in regions where vegan dining options are increasingly available.

In terms of dining options, New Zealand has been identified as the most vegan-friendly travel destination, with approximately 345 vegan-friendly dining establishments per million people. Taiwan leads in the number of fully vegan restaurants per capita, while Iceland boasts that 43% of its restaurants offer at least one vegan dish. The United States, despite having the highest absolute number of vegan restaurants at 1,717, ranks lower in per capita availability, indicating a potential area for growth in the domestic market.

The business landscape for plant-based products is also evolving. The US has the largest ecosystem of companies producing plant-based, cultivated, or blended protein products, with 615 businesses reported. However, the domestic demand appears to be cooling, prompting many producers to look towards export opportunities. In contrast, countries like Singapore and Israel lead in per capita business counts for plant-based products, supported by robust food-tech industries.

Claire Ogley, Head of Campaigns, Policy and Research at The Vegan Society, stated that the findings illustrate veganism's transition from a niche movement to a more widely accepted lifestyle choice. She noted that the term "vegan" is now globally recognized and understood, reflecting a significant cultural shift.

The report's insights suggest that the increasing interest in veganism and flexitarianism could play a crucial role in addressing environmental challenges associated with traditional animal agriculture. As consumers become more aware of the environmental impacts of their food choices, the demand for sustainable and plant-based options is likely to continue growing.

In conclusion, the data from The Vegan Society's report underscores a notable shift in consumer behavior towards plant-based diets, with searches for veganism outpacing those for climate change. This trend, coupled with the mainstream acceptance of flexitarianism, indicates a growing awareness of the importance of sustainable eating practices in the face of global environmental challenges.

Bill Gates Advocates for Climate and Children's Health Funding

Bill Gates emphasizes the urgent need for increased funding to combat climate change and improve children's health. He advocates for a strategic pivot in addressing these issues, leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance health solutions and climate adaptation efforts.

Google Searches for Veganism Surpass Climate Change Interest

A recent report reveals that global interest in veganism is outpacing searches for climate change, highlighting a significant cultural shift towards plant-based diets. Flexitarianism has also gained mainstream acceptance, with many consumers reducing meat intake for health and environmental reasons.

Climate Change Fuels Public Health Risk from Amoebae

The rise in global temperatures due to climate change is increasing the public health risk posed by free-living amoebae, particularly Naegleria fowleri, known as the 'brain-eating amoeba.' These pathogens thrive in warmer waters, leading to a higher likelihood of infections and complicating public health responses.

The Dangers of Throwing Apple Cores Out the Car Window

Tossing apple cores out of car windows may seem harmless, but it poses significant risks to wildlife and the environment. This article explores the ecological consequences of this common practice, including wildlife fatalities, digestive issues for animals, and the potential introduction of non-native species.

Climate Change's Role in Increasing Extreme Weather Events

Climate change is significantly impacting the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, wildfires, and flooding. Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, have led to a rise in greenhouse gases, which in turn exacerbates these weather phenomena. Urgent action is needed to mitigate these effects and protect public health.