Thirteenth International Conference on Food Studies

Abstract

Timeseries data, survey and experimental measurements, and model predictions are used to debunk myths surrounding claims that animal agriculture is environmentally destructive. Methane (CH4) emissions from cattle are inversely correlated with atmospheric CH4 levels, but natural gas production is positively correlated. These observations are explained in part by the biogenic C-cycle and by methanotrophic bacterial CH4 uptake in the soil. Furthermore, blue water use by cattle has been greatly overestimated, and is principally determined by the amount of water used to irrigate feed grains rather than how much animals drink. Evidence is presented to suggest that “low-tech” solutions in regenerative livestock management, not only provide healthy food, but they remove atmospheric carbon, and increase soil health and ecosystem functionality. C-sequestration rates of 4% to 28% per year have been documented, as have 9-fold increases in plant biodiversity over 18 years. Regenerative beef production can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35%, and blue water use by 31%. Regeneratively produced meat is higher in many vitamins and has better lipid profiles than conventionally produced meat. Technological solutions to meat production, such as plant-based meat alternatives and lab-grown meat, are of questionable value to environmental and human health. These alternatives make investors wealthy but trivialize the true value of animals, who contribute to soil fertility and ecosystem functionality, and are so much more than just food.