What evidence does the author use to respond to the counterclaim that veganism does not protect the environment?
a. the amount of time it takes to slaughter an animal
b. the damage meat production does to the environment
c. the average cost that a vegan spends on food each day
d. the harm done to the body when one eats too much red meat

B.The damage meat production does to the environment.

Explanation:

This is the option that provides evidence that responds to the counterclaim that veganism does not protect the environment. A counterclaim is a statement that is opposite to one previously given (the claim). Therefore, in this case, the claim is likely to be that veganism is good for the world. The counterclaim would be that veganism does not protect the environment. A good response would be highlighting the damage that meat production does to the environment. By doing so, we can show that although veganism might not necessarily protect the environment, it is still a more sustainable alternative than meat production.