To: Wharf Rat who wrote (854879 ) 5/7/2015 10:19:04 AM From: Brumar89 Read Replies (3) | Respond to Will you switch to an insect based diet for the sake of the earth, Rat? Eric Worrall 14 hours ago May 6, 2015 Guest essay by Eric Worrall Kofi Annan Should we be encouraged to reduce their meat consumption? The global livestock industry is indeed a major threat to the climate as it represents 14.5% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. A growing population and a rapidly growing middle class are increasing pressure on the traditional protein sources, beef and poultry meat, making it more difficult to meet demand. We cannot continue the way we are producing and consuming meat. Obviously, this should not go as far as governments telling people what to eat. However, keeping meat consumption to levels recommended by health authorities would lower emissions and reduce heart disease, cancer, and other diseases. And of course there are alternative sources of protein. For example, raising insects as an animal protein source. Insects have a very good conversion rate from feed to meat. They make up part of the diet of two billion people and are commonly eaten in many parts of the world. Eating insects is good for the environment and balanced diets. Read more: theguardian.com wattsupwiththat.com BTW I ate a few grilled grasshoppers when I was young.
