In this guest post, we find that lab-grown meat should not be considered a Climate Change solution. Based on industry-funded studies it will never achieve the economies of scale needed to make a reasonable dent in our meat consumption.
This is a great and well thought-out article. The challenges outlined for bringing lab-grown meat to market are big hurdles for this technology. But I disagree on two points:
- I don't think it is right to say that just because the climate impact will not be seen in 10-20 years, then it is not a "climate solution"
I agree with you, André. As a vegan, lab-grown meat plays a crucial role in addressing the dietary needs of carnivorous animals, from house cats to foxes in sanctuaries, to name two examples. By producing lab-grown meat, we can work towards providing a sustainable and ethical solution for feeding our carnivorous companions.
Fantastic article! I so agree with the points made. Whilst lab-grown meat is an incredible and fascinating product that has its place in the market, realistically it requires specialised infrastructure and expertise, that would only be accessible to a global minority and not make a significant dent in carbon emissions for years to come.
I'm delighted to read such a well-researched article that highlights the risks of hoping that this technology can let us have our cake and eat it too. I'm hopeful that as a global community we can achieve success in advocating for significant positive dietary shifts, whilst still advocating for lab-grown meat.
This is a great and well thought-out article. The challenges outlined for bringing lab-grown meat to market are big hurdles for this technology. But I disagree on two points:
- I don't think it is right to say that just because the climate impact will not be seen in 10-20 years, then it is not a "climate solution"
- The ethical reasons for developing this technology weigh heavier, in my view, than the climate reasons. You touch on this topic in passing only, so I thought I'd write a piece highlighting that angle: https://andresclimate.substack.com/p/cultivated-meat-is-much-more-than
I agree with you, André. As a vegan, lab-grown meat plays a crucial role in addressing the dietary needs of carnivorous animals, from house cats to foxes in sanctuaries, to name two examples. By producing lab-grown meat, we can work towards providing a sustainable and ethical solution for feeding our carnivorous companions.
Fantastic article! I so agree with the points made. Whilst lab-grown meat is an incredible and fascinating product that has its place in the market, realistically it requires specialised infrastructure and expertise, that would only be accessible to a global minority and not make a significant dent in carbon emissions for years to come.
I'm delighted to read such a well-researched article that highlights the risks of hoping that this technology can let us have our cake and eat it too. I'm hopeful that as a global community we can achieve success in advocating for significant positive dietary shifts, whilst still advocating for lab-grown meat.