Burning of the Amazon Rainforest, Animal Advocacy Methods, and Dr. Michael Greger’s Continual Contribution to Plant-Based Nutritional Science

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The burning of the Amazon and the blackened skies from Sao Paulo, Brazil, to Santa Cruz, Bolivia, have captured the world’s attention. Much of the blame for the fires has rightly fallen on Brazilian President, Jair Bolsonaro, for directly encouraging the burning of forests and the seizure of Indigenous Peoples’ lands. 

Burning Amazon Rainforest in Tocantins Brazil at night
Photo of burning Amazon Rainforest in Tocantins, Brazil taken on Aug. 17, 2019. Credit Image: © Dida Sampaio/Estado/Xinhua via ZUMA Wire

This is a reminder to focus on our diets and our insatiable demand for meat. When I’m doing animal rights activism, I often begin by assessing what seems important to the person I’m speaking to; is this person more likely to change their lifestyle for environmental, personal health, animal rights, or human rights reasons? This helps guide my vegan advocacy for this person, leading to more effective conversations with the public.

In this show, we focus on the health aspect of adopting a vegan lifestyle. Dr. Michael Greger is my “go to” when I want to educate people about the science behind the health benefits of adopting a whole food, plant-based lifestyle, and the dangers of eating animal products. 

Dr. Greger is a physician, New York Times best-selling author, and internationally recognized speaker on nutrition, food safety, and public health issues. A founding member and Fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Greger is licensed as a general practitioner specializing in clinical nutrition. He is a graduate of the Cornell University School of Agriculture and Tufts University School of Medicine. His latest book, How Not To Die, became an instant New York Times Best Seller.  100% of all proceeds he has ever received from his books, DVDs, and speaking engagements have always and will be donated to the 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs NutritionFacts.org, a strictly non-commercial, science-based public service provided by Dr. Michael Greger, providing free updates on the latest in nutrition research through bite-sized videos. There are more than a thousand videos on nearly every aspect of healthy eating, with new videos and articles uploaded every day.

Dr. Michael Greger and his book, "How Not To Die"
Dr. Michael Greger and his book, “How Not To Die”

Dr. Greger’s YouTube speeches are often shared widely amongst vegan activists who are attempting to transform the diets of people in their lives who may respond more to health warnings than animal rights issues. His witty and often sarcastic jokes are engaging, and the scientific evidence is undeniable. His book “How Not To Die” is the ultimate gift for someone you care about… I could not put it down and wanted to highlight almost everything I read!