1BVEGGIE

POD: A.D. 1100

Opened:  2/20/2004     Closed: 11/15/2006

World Population: 2.2 Billion

Technological Equivalent: A.D. 1920 (wind, solar, biofuels advanced)

1BVEGGIE is an alt where the vegetarianism is the norm.  It is much more ecologically balanced, but less populated and less technologically advanced.  The sole superpower is the government of India, where their vegetarian revolution took place.  Approximately two thirds of the global population is vegetarian.

India is the sole superpower; where the vegetarian revolution started.  Their India also encompasses Pakistan, Afghanistan, and parts of China (as we know them).  Our U.S. is called New England and is largely protected Forest reserve (and underdeveloped).  Much of the Native American population remains intact.

On 1BVEGGIE the Chola Dynasty (A.D. 1100) in the Indian subcontinent never toppled (they are barely a footnote in our world).  They persisted for 500 years and taught harmony with nature, trading, and vegetarianism to traders from Europe and China.  These ideals spread and the world was and is a much more peaceful place.  The largest religion is Catharism, which now mixes Hindu, Buddist, and Catholic ideals.

Population is controlled by widespread use of birth control and a cultural emphasis on sexual abstinence.  Historically sterilization has been used forcibly on minority populations; an analog of sorts to our genocides. Interestingly, while capital punishment is almost unknown, mob justice is often administered (and can be quite lethal).  It is considered the most serious social issue of this world.

We were able to exchange some technologies with the Indian government on this world.  Their wind, solar, and biofuel technologies were very advanced and are already being covertly incorporated into our markets.