UK dairy corporation claims that vegans are “cancelling” the industry

Arla is the biggest dairy company in the UK and their retaliation against alleged “vegan cancel culture” is all over British vegan news. They have retorted that people are “feeling ashamed towards dairy in public” and that people are having to consume dairy in the privacy of their own home to avoid ridicule. Their retaliation has gone as far as to create a campaign called “don’t cancel the cow”.

This could be a good sign, as it means the dairy industry is feeling the pressure of a more eco-conscious world. Arla claims that there is a place for dairy farming in a green future and that they are committed to innovation and sustainability. Over the years, they have been hit with criticism by environmental organisations, and were targeted by Animal Rebellion last year, who blockaded their distribution centre with the request that they convert to being plant-based by 2025.

The reality of the situation is that the most recent IPCC report is painstakingly clear that the planet is in grave danger, in fact last year the UN Secretary-General damned the previous report code red. This means that if greenhouse gas emissions are not significantly reduced in a quick fashion, we are looking at devastating consequences which will hit the poorest nations the hardest, and in the worst case scenario, could lead to complete societal collapse. The dairy industry is responsible for a large proportion of global emissions and there is no beating around the bush, it needs to stop. This doesn’t mean we should not care about the livelihoods of dairy farmers. For the future to be truly sustainable, everyone needs to be invited and those who rely on unsustainable means need alternatives.

The idea that vegans are shaming people is also quite saddening. Veganism should be an act of love, for it to come from any other place, be it fear, judgement or anger, it would also not be sustainable.

Article written by Aisling Geraghty- United Kingdom