The grim reality of our world is that we are facing fundamental threats posed by the changes in the global climate, exacerbating climate hazards and extreme weather disasters.

We all have a responsibility when it comes to tackling climate change and limiting global warming. Saying individual efforts are too insignificant to make a difference is reckless, because everyone is equally responsible and every little bit of effort counts.

No individual action is irrelevant in the face of the climate crisis. But what if you could help reduce carbon dioxide equivalent of 450,000 flights and save more than one million animals? Would you do it?

Many people around the world are showing that such a mammoth rescue mission is indeed achievable by joining the Veganuary movement – an annual event that encourages non-vegans around the world to adopt a vegan diet during January.

This year, Veganuary – a British non-profit organisation launched in 2014 that promotes a vegan lifestyle – claims that if 350,000 people worldwide go vegan for just this month, it will save the carbon dioxide equivalent of 450,000 flights, and more than one million animals.

Of course, the ultimate goal is for people to take this campaign beyond January and turn it into a regular dietary habit.

First, it is not that much of a sacrifice to take it on for 31 days by skipping all meat and dairy products throughout the month.

Additionally, some studies have shown that a good habit takes 28 days to form, so going vegan for an entire month can demonstrate to those who are daunted by the prospect of a plant-based lifestyle that it is not all that difficult to implement.

Many of those who have taken part in previous years, as well as recently converted vegans, have said adopting a plant-based lifestyle was not as challenging as they anticipated. Plus, as vegan diets and lifestyles continue to grow in popularity, vegan products and alternatives are more widely available than ever before.

In the fight against the climate crisis, no one can afford to stand on the sidelines and Hong Kong is certainly no exception. Hong Kong may be small, but it has a huge appetite for meat that’s disproportionate to its size.

By using a consumption-based method, that takes into account emissions resulting from actual consumption of its citizens, Hong Kong was found to be the seventh highest carbon dioxide emitters per capita among 113 regions in 2018.

Meanwhile, a University of Hong Kong study found that the city’s excessive appetite for meat is the main culprit to its high greenhouse gas emission per capita. Its research shows that Hong Kong has one of the highest meat consumptions per capita in the world at 664g per day per capita – the equivalent of two pieces of 10oz steak.

Pork and beef consumption are the highest, with average daily consumption four times higher than Britain.

Furthermore, the same study also pointed out that if Hong Kong citizens adopted the governmental nutrient guidelines on meat consumption, the city would achieve a 43 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

According to guidelines issued by the city’s Department of Health, an average adult is recommended to take in no more than 180g of meat, fish and egg, per day.

This goes to show that simply by adopting a healthier diet, the city’s population can actually have a significant influence in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

People in Hong Kong need to take the climate issue more seriously and act more proactively in a collective manner because of the city’s substantial meat consumption. It is a way of protecting the environment, preventing animal suffering, as well as promoting the city’s overall well being and its international image.

The government should follow in the footsteps of Sweden and the Netherlands, which have incorporated carbon emission reference figures in food nutritional guidelines. That way, citizens are given the impetus to choose low-carbon footprint food and hence reduce meat intake.

In order to create real lasting impact, the Veganuary campaign needs to sustain and convince meat eaters to adopt veganism beyond January. Non-vegans need to be educated to realise veganism is not only for animal welfare and the environment, but for the enormous long-term good for individuals.

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With the ongoing African swine fever epidemic that has been wiping out pigs across China and Asia, we need to wake up to the fact that ditching meat is the only way to help ease health epidemics as well as being a viable sustainable option.

Converting to veganism doesn’t come without its challenges, but it is certainly not impossible to make those small and all-important changes to your diet and lifestyle. Rather than cooking your favourite meat-based meal, why not swap it out with other protein-rich alternatives like lentils or tempeh?

If you’re ever missing certain foods like meat or junk food, spring for their plant-based alternatives; you might be surprised by how good they taste.

If you’re ever unsure, just ask other vegans for tips, recipes, and other recommendations; people are always happy to help.

Finally, don’t beat yourself up if you make mistakes. Rather, give yourself a pat on the back for instilling some positive change in your life and for the sake of our planet, and keep at it.

Luisa Tam is a correspondent at the Post