Faith-Based Environmental Action: The Role of Han Buddhist Dietary Practices in Reducing Food-Related GHG Emissions in Malaysia

This study aims to quantify the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs) resulting from the adoption of vegetarian and vegan diets among Malaysian Chinese adherents of Han Buddhism in 2023. Given that meat production is a major contributor to global GHGEs, this research examines the environmental benefits of dietary practices shaped by Han Buddhist teachings. Employing a quantitative methodology, the study utilizes Malaysia’s 2010 census and historical immigration records to estimate the 2023 Han Buddhist population. It then applies data from prior studies to determine the proportions of vegetarians and vegans within this group, followed by the calculation of associated GHGEs using international dietary datasets and a regression-based diet-emission formula. The findings reveal that in 2023, approximately 4.98 million Han Buddhists resided in Malaysia, of whom 1.02 million adhered to vegetarian or vegan diets. This dietary shift resulted in an annual reduction of 1.08 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent—comparable to the emissions from one million gasoline-powered vehicles each traveling 4,211 kilometers. These findings underscore the considerable environmental impact of plant-based diets and highlight the potential role of culturally and religiously influenced dietary practices in mitigating climate change.