Former Baywatch star Pamela Anderson, who is the honorary director of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) US, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to promote veganism in India.
According to media reports, Anderson raised the issue of increased pollution levels in India, especially in the national capital and wrote that she is worried for both the people and animals who can't stay indoors or wear masks. “My heart goes out to everyone affected by the severe air pollution plaguing Delhi. I worry about the residents as well as the animals who can’t wear face masks or stay indoors,” she wrote.
She pointed out that raising animals for dairy, meat, and eggs is contributing to one-fifth of all human-induced greenhouse gas emissions and added, “In fact, meat and dairy companies are set to become the world’s biggest polluters, and the United Nations warns that a global shift to vegan eating is necessary to combat climate change.” She further said that veganism is not an option anymore but a necessity.
Noting that many of the other countries are taking initiatives to adopt veganism as a means to combat climate crisis, she said, “I appeal to you to show that India can equal or best them.”
“I know you share my concern for the future, so please lead India’s fight against climate change by taking a simple but forceful, progressive step. Ban animal-derived foods from all government meetings and functions. I am shattered by recent findings of climate change’s impact on India," she wrote.
“With your country’s innovation and agricultural history, I’m sure that India-produced soy and other versatile foods can easily replace these damaging foods,” she further wrote.
