"To avoid the most catastrophic climate change scenarios, the evidence is clear that citizens in high-meat consuming countries—such as the United States—need to dramatically reduce their meat and dairy intake."
~ Brent Kim, Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future
By Pete Kennedy
The Biden administration’s plan to cut greenhouse emissions by 50%-52% from their 2005 levels by 2030 is raising questions as to how this could be done. “Experts” say Americans will have to drastically reduce their meat consumption to reach that goal and avoid what they describe as “catastrophic” effects on the climate. Some are even calling for a 90% reduction in beef consumption.
For our first discussion about the “War on Meat,” I invited holistic veterinarian Will Winter, DVM, to weigh in on the topic of meat consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Is it possible to raise livestock in a way that reduces greenhouse gases, restores or increases biodiversity, and improves the environment and health? Dr. Winter explains how, with the use of regenerative farming.
Dr. Winter, now retired from his veterinary practice, consults on holistic livestock management and related topics for clients such as Thousand Hills Cattle Company, whose farmers raise grassfed beef around the U.S. He is also an inspector for the American Grassfed Association (AGA), visiting about 100 farms a year.
Dr. Winter has graciously offered to answer questions about livestock and grass-fed meat. Please submit your questions to foodseries@solari.com.
For Let's Go to the Movies, I recommend the movie Sacred Cow: The Nutritional, Environmental and Ethical Case for Better Meat. This film is particularly relevant as efforts are increasing to eliminate or significantly reduce animal proteins in our diet.
In Money & Markets, Catherine and John Titus will review the latest financial and geopolitical news, and discuss what to watch for in the second half of 2021. E-mail your questions for Ask Catherine or post at the Money & Markets commentary for the first week of July here.
Talk to you on Thursday!
Related Links:
Will Winter’s website
American Grassfed Association (AGA)
Thousand Hills Cattle Company
Books:
Dirt to Soil: One Family’s Journey into Regenerative Agriculture by Gabe Brown
Sacred Cow: The Case for (Better) Meat: Why Well-Raised Meat Is Good for You and Good for the Planet by Diana Rodgers and Robb Wolf
Defending Beef: The Case for Sustainable Meat Production by Nicolette Hahn Niman
Sources for Grassfed Meat:
Farmmatch.com
Eatwild.com
Localharvest.com
Realmilk.com
Other Resources:
Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund
The Weston A. Price Foundation
