According to the always informative Fat Knowledge, there may in just a few years be In Vitro Meat economically competitive with traditionally produced meat on the market. This is great news for the environment since livestock production means extensive deforestation as well as emissions of greenhouse gases, the latter accounting for a massive 18 percent of the global warming effects.
The big question is whether anyone will eat it. Hardcore vegans will probably not, since it still involves exploiting animals which, no matter how humanely it’s done, is always a no-no for them. And some regular meat eaters may dismiss it because of the inevitable differences in taste and texture.
Personally, I don’t think I could eat it. I’m so weaned from meat now I’d probably throw up if I tried. Besides, meat regardless of how it’s produced will still contain a lot of energy that builds up around your midsection unless you exercise a lot. But if you’re going to eat meat anyway, the in vitro version is the humane and environmentally friendly choice. And until it’s on the market there is always tofu and other soy-based substitutes.
Filed under: Biology, Environment, Ethics, Health, Science, Technology | 5 Comments
Tags: deforestation, global warming, Health, In vitro meat, vegan, vegetarian
I’ll pass on this one.
Come on, it’s the future. Bioreactors are just like the replicators in Star Trek ; )
What if you use human cells as the basis of the culture? Would you end up with a cannibal burger? What if you use amino acids extracted from sewage to grow the culture? It’s like the ultimate recycling. You know, I’m not sure if I’m going to want to eat this stuff very much. It’s bad enough wondering what they feed the cows without wondering what the cow cells were grown in. But, knowing myself, I’ll probably at least try it.
Cannibal burgers will be a hit. All celebrities will be on the menu: if you want to stay slim you’ll eat Willem Dafoe and if you like something richer, try Kirstie Alley. Personally I’d eat Summer Glau any day.
Awesome, Paradigm. I hadn’t thought about that. I think you’ve identified a market!