Hi, I’ve recently seen this video by a channel called What I’ve Learned, regarding the environmental impact of animal agriculture, in both of which Dr. Frank Mitloehner, a Professor and Air Quality Extension Specialist at the University of California, expresses his opinion on this topic.

In short, he suggests that cow industry is not so disruptive as it is portrayed.

I’m trying to understand if his points are valid. What are your thoughts? Please let me know, thanks

  • poVoq
    link
    fedilink
    33 years ago

    That analysis seems a bit biased towards local food producers in the western world. Maybe they included land conversion (Beef in Brazil and prawns in SEA) driven by western & Chinese demand? I am not very deep into beef production methods, but for shrimp at least I know that it can be very efficient in theory (more so than chicken or farmed fish), but for various reasons currently often isn’t.

    Also something to keep in mind (and which I think isn’t reflected in the graphic), some types of animal products can be produced on land / sea and with inputs that would otherwise be impossible to use.

    But overall, yes less meat and a better informed choice of the types of meat is probably a good idea.