Why eating meat is a dilema

The love for meat among humans is undeniable. From mouthwatering steaks to crispy fried chicken, savory bacon, succulent pork belly, and flavorful sausages, these delicacies reign supreme. It's fascinating how meat has become an integral part of our meals, with many considering a dish incomplete without an animal-based component. However, it's worth noting that not too long ago, meat was a luxury item. Today, it's become so commonplace that you can grab a cheeseburger for a dollar. Paradoxically, though, meat consumption is one of the most inefficient ways of feeding our growing population, and it's taking a toll on our planet.

To meet the demands of feeding billions of mouths, we have transformed vast portions of the Earth into massive feeding grounds. Approximately 83% of farmland is dedicated to livestock, including pastures and crops grown as animal feed, such as corn and soy. This accounts for a staggering 26% of the planet's total land area. When we factor in the water required for these crops, meat and dairy production alone consumes 27% of global freshwater resources. Unfortunately, the production of meat is highly resource-intensive. Most of the nutrients from fodder crops are utilized by animals to sustain their own growth, with only a fraction ending up in the final meat products. For instance, cows convert a mere 4% of plant proteins and 3% of calories into beef, rendering more than 97% of the calories lost to us. To produce just one kilogram of steak, a cow may consume up to 25 kilograms of grain and require a staggering 15,000 liters of water.

It's astonishing to realize that despite meat products accounting for only 18% of the calories we consume, they consume an overwhelming amount of resources. Studies suggest that if we redirected the food used for animals towards human consumption, we could potentially nourish an additional 3.5 billion people. Moreover, the meat industry contributes approximately 15% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to the emissions generated by all ships, planes, trucks, and cars combined. There is also the ethical aspect to consider, as meat is derived from living beings. If animals were the authors of history, we would appear as merciless perpetrators of widespread suffering. Each day, we slaughter around 200 million animals globally, reaching a staggering 74 billion per year. To put it into perspective, we kill more animals in one and a half years than the total human population throughout the entire 200,000-year history of humanity.

Unfortunately, the conditions in which many animals are raised are far from humane. Factory farms, designed for maximum efficiency, prioritize quantity over quality of life. Pigs are confined to massive windowless sheds, deprived of sunlight, while sows endure cramped pens where they repeatedly give birth to piglets until their turn for slaughter arrives. Dairy cows are continuously impregnated to maintain milk production, but their calves are separated from them shortly after birth. Beef cattle are fattened in feedlots, restricted pens that limit their movement and accelerate weight gain. To prevent diseases in such crowded environments, a significant portion of antibiotics is used in livestock, accounting for up to 80% in the US. While chickens may have it worst of all, being kept in vast numbers and close quarters that prevent their natural social structures, leading to aggression. To prevent pecking, their beaks and claws are often trimmed. Male chickens, being unprofitable for meat or egg production, are typically euthanized shortly after hatching, amounting to hundreds of millions of deaths each year.

Some might argue that opting for organic meat from animals raised in better conditions is the solution. While organic farming regulations aim to provide animals with a minimum level of comfort, the term "organic" can be subjective. Even according to EU regulations, an organic hen may still share a single square meter of space with five others, far from resembling the idyllic farmyard image. Though there are farms genuinely dedicated to the well-being of animals, the meat industry is still a business, and the organic label often becomes a means to charge higher prices. Countless scandals have exposed producers attempting to deceive the system. Additionally, organic meat production requires even more resources than conventional methods, making it a less sustainable choice.

The truth is, our treatment of animals will likely be viewed with disdain by future generations. However, amidst these complexities, it's essential to acknowledge that meat holds a special place in our hearts and palates. It brings joy, fosters togetherness during family meals and barbecues, and taps into something deep within our primal instincts. Yet, consuming meat doesn't automatically make someone a bad person, nor does abstaining from it make someone virtuous. Life and the world we've created are multifaceted.

So, how can we address the undeniable unsustainability and ethical concerns surrounding meat consumption? For now, one of the easiest steps is to reduce our meat intake, choosing meat-free days each week. Even this small change can make a significant difference. If you wish to support less cruel meat production, consider buying from trusted producers with a proven track record, even if it means spending more. To mitigate environmental impact, opt for chicken and pork, which convert feed more efficiently into meat compared to lamb and beef. And when you do indulge in steak, do so mindfully, appreciating the value of the food on your plate. It's also crucial to minimize food waste, as the average American discards nearly a pound of food per day, including meat.

Looking ahead, advancements in science may offer cleaner meat alternatives. Several startups are already successfully growing meat in labs and are working towards commercial-scale production. However, such solutions are still a few years away from widespread availability. In the meantime, let's enjoy our meat while respecting the resources and lives it represents. And if possible, let's make each meat-based meal a special occasion.