Eating Meat is the New Oil | Aaron Bastani meets George Monbiot | Downstream

[@fluffymushy9]

I'm the daughter of generations of farming and a business partner in the farm, and unfortunately, our business is the opposite of what's needed - we sell silage to feed our neighbours' dairy cows. We use the lowest nitrogen fertiliser available, but it's still not what's required to look after our soil. I would love to transition to rewilding, but how to fund that and do it properly is overwhelming. Calling for state assistance and cooperation! Looking forward to getting immersed in George's new book. Thank you George for your diligence, I'm with you in spirit, and wish to be with you in action.

[@DGT73]

‘Feral’ is an awesome read.

[@michaelrch]

This is why need a just transition. If even conscientious farmers can't get out, it's clear that we need a systemic approach to the wind down of animal ag, with assistance for those leaving the sector. In the meantime don't suppose you could grow other things than grass fro silage?

[@daviddunn2297]

Great that you would like to change, it depends so much on you situation, how you might proceed to change. There is very little real help, and commercial knowledge is sparse at best! You have a real challenge ahead and government has to address this which to date has failed totally despite the rhetoric and promises.

[@serjthereturn]

have you tried growing hemp (seriously)

[@DGT73]

@@serjthereturn Baffling why no one is growing industrial hemp

[@tziganeofwales]

This was my personal tipping point. Veganism here I come. Thank you George and Novara. The clearest argument against animal farming I've ever herd (....) and the final push I needed.

[@Laura-q2k6p]

Please watch some Ex vegans videos. Stay healthy

[@blahdelablah]

@@Laura-q2k6p What are you trying to imply, that it's not possible to be healthy on a vegan diet?

[@SergieRachmaninoff]

Kudos for making the decision to live more ethically and environmentally responsibly.

[@dano9152]

@@Laura-q2k6p Most of the ex-vegans in these videos talk absolute garbage. Worth a watch but not serious people. Why are you trying to imply that a vegan diet is inherently unhealthy? There is no nutrient you cannot get from plants. Yes if you just eat oreos and drink whiskey that would be vegan, stupid and unhealthy.

[@_b-e-n_]

@@Laura-q2k6p a few anecdotes from a few people who fail to plan a diet adequately doesn't mean that The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics are wrong in their stance that vegan diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, infancy and childhood.

[@RC-hc8lp]

This is one of the best interviews I've ever seen. It's the combination of humanity, intelligence and insight that makes it so special. I recently stopped eating meat and dairy and have stopped flying. It seems like the odds are stacked but on an individual level we can all do something.

[@emblaz3]

Isn't the point though that the best thing one can do is to support the politics so that systemic change happens not just individual?

[@RC-hc8lp]

@@emblaz3 There isn't time. The politicians are doing nothing or else what they are doing isn't enough - George explains why COP26 was such a waste of time. We can control our own behaviour and if everyone decided to stop consuming meat and dairy and stopped flying imagine the difference it would make.

[@emblaz3]

@@RC-hc8lp I agree that would have a massive impact but in my opinion real change will only happen with broader systemic change. Corporations and countries are by far the largest polluters/ecological destructors and politics is the vehicle by how these institutions act which I think, while improving one's own lifestyle is important, we must do something to influence politics. (probably a reflection of my cynical mentality but) I find it quite easy to get cynical about my own lifestyle because as a westerner (and therefore an economic unit in western consumer capitalism) no matter how hard I try to change my individual lifestyle in order to make it carbon-neutral and sustainable the global powers that be are still destroying the ecology of the planet e.g. nothing I do individually will stop oil being pumped out of the ground; if I stop flying, ghost flights are still talking place. My point is not to disagree with you, because I think what you've done personally is amazing, but to focus on the ways that real global change can happen as quickly as possible.

[@oliverwhite712]

@@emblaz3 It'll be both, and the political systemic change will be easier to justify and sell if there are a critical number of people practicing what they preach to the greatest extent they can. It could happen the other way round of course, but how likely is a political, systemic change going to be if individuals ar enot already taking some of the initiative themselves?

[@RC-hc8lp]

@@emblaz3 It's true, of course, that the balance of power lying with multinationals and western governments to implement change will always outweigh that of the individual, I agree with you. It's perhaps that I used to think that there was no point trying to do anything as an individual and now I can see that maybe Margaret Mead and her (cliched?) statement: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has" might be true. Political systems won't change until we do. If we keep voting for parties that ignore the environment and instead invest in fossil fuel extraction then nothing will change. We need to be activists too.

[@ScotisticDad]

One of the best things Novara has done in ages. Aaron needs to do more long form interviews.

[@samuelx5466]

Aaron asks fantastic questions and is a world-class interviewer

[@No9Shrek]

George Monbiot's capacity for articulating these complex interactions in ways that connect with ordinary folk is what make his lifelong contribution to progressive human evolution legendary. Well done Novara Media for facilitating that powerful interview, very informative.

[@iiwii8622]

Yeah, Monbiot is brilliant. I think the ability to disseminate scientific studies and then dish out the main takeaways in language that anyone can understand is such a strong suit of his. Without wanting to blow my own trumpet, I can read and understand scientific literature, but there are many for whom, for whatever reason, it is not their forte. To be totally honest though, it's absolutely frightening when you really think about everything he's been saying in this broadcast, when you put into its true context as a global issue. It's terrifying, it's all one, big existential threat. As always, however, it'll be those who aren't billionaires/millionaires, who don't sit at the top table, who don't have the early warning communications to get out of the way, who will get clobbered first. The working classes, the poor and middle classes will get hammered, as always.

[@jsquire5pa]

Get a room ffs

[@iiwii8622]

@@jsquire5pa haha true though, he is brilliant.

[@iiwii8622]

@Jay Dee And you will of course have links to reputable science that refutes everything he's saying? Otherwise you wouldn't have chirped up eh. We all know you don't though, you're the bloke everyone knows down the pub who thinks he's well informed because he reads the papers and listens to GB News 😂😂👏🏻👏🏻

[@iiwii8622]

@Jay Dee Just as a sidenote, I've investigated a number of dairy farms who pollute river systems with immunity, just as Monbiot touched upon and I'm able to read the (more than 14,000) scientific papers that informed the last IPCC report, and understand what they mean. Whereas you? Well, say no more. Otherwise you'd be providing us with plentiful reading material that proves the points Monbiot is making are, as you claim in such grown up language "bullpoop". Where are they then?

[@mynameisjoejeans]

I think this is the best interview I have ever seen. Reaching from consumer environmental choices, to the environmental science of all aspects of society, economics, agriculture and technology, to political alternatives to humanitarian considerations. If everyone in the world saw this video I believe it could change the Earth’s future. Well done Novara, Bastani and Monbiot as always.

[@prettynoose888]

Absolutely fantastic interview, George Monbiot is such a well-spoken and knowledgeable person.

[@fromeveryting29]

Veganism truly is the revolutionary movement that tackles supremacy, sustainability, health and climate in one. Animals are treated horribly, objectified and exploited based on arbitrary supremacy. And in doing so humans are causing their own destruction. I’ve been a vegan (animal rights advocate) for nearly 7 years now and my view of the world has never been the same. I now see every individual as worthwhile, a pro-social obligation to progress society morally and materially, and am 100 times more knowledgable on health and climate science. It’s the world biggest shame that animal agriculture is so protected from critical questioning, and is almost never raised as a serious ethical or climate issue - when it is THE TOP ethical and climate issue.

[@dl_gone]

More people need to watch this. George is a luminary. May well also be my tipping point to veganism.

[@LunaRose1312]

I started going vegan this year strangely not because of videos like this, I've found these after starting the switch so found this very interesting from start to finish, thankyou novara

[@seanstehura7179]

I have NOT eaten Meat for 50 years. I am 82 years old and in perfect health for my age. I still backpack the Olympic Mountains and kayak and biking.

[@captainwheelbarrow649]

What foods do you rely on the most

[@HughWP6683]

Thank you so much Novara Media for putting this out! Have shared it with a lot of friends who eat animal products and has started a lot of really interesting conversations! Feel like this could be the rallying cry we need to actually support and ask for the change our species needs. Big up to George!

[@ImpendingChocolate]

Genuinely one of the best interviews I’ve ever seen. The message about the social tipping point is exactly what I needed to hear. Fantastic stuff from Novara.

[@laluba3603]

Here I am again listening to a very great conversation.This was 9 month ago. Why do I feel like we are going backwards . Have we already forgotten this" brilliant", "excellent, " and interesting interview?

[@johndrocky4377]

Just wanted to say THANK YOU 🙏 to Mr. Monboit for his recent appearance on politics live & ALL THE AWESOME VIDEOS FROM DOUBLE DOWN NEWS!!! 👏🔥🥊

[@juliewake4585]

It’s so wonderful to see George talking, with such great knowledge, about the horrifying effect we have on nature, and global devastation. Go vegan.

[@robertwilkes2105]

No thank you.

[@samuelx5466]

@@robertwilkes2105 you are destroying the environment

[@jasonmudgarde286]

Bowel cancer is another reason to avoid dead animals!

[@vodatube2591]

Listen to this man… he has always been right.

[@bobterry9062]

I come from a UK West Country farming family going back generations. We grow crops, we do not farm animals to be killed for food because of the cruelty involved.

[@PercivalBlakeney]

@Bob Terry 🌷❤️🐦

[@deanmfe]

How in earth do you farm without animal input? Arable-only farming is destroying our land. Farming without animal input is *not* farming at all.

[@michaelrch]

@@deanmfe Citation needed. Read Monbiot's book. He covers that myth at length. Animal manure is not just a poor fertiliser, it has far worse run off effects even than synthetic fertiliser. There are a range of farming techniques that use very little inputs and rely on natural processes for creating and maintaining soil structure and fertility.

[@deanmfe]

@@michaelrch, it's really not difficult to understand that removing animals from a natural system is *not* unnatursl.

[@PercivalBlakeney]

@@deanmfe Dean... Most (95+% ) of the animals used for food are NOT natural. They've been artificially bred into existence in order to get money from your wallet into their coffers. 😐

[@Benjaminimize]

A short rant from me on the big debate of plant based vs. omnivore. As someone not trained in science I have to go by what little I know. But from a layman’s perspective, after watching endless hours of debates between experts who recommend plant based vs. those advocating for omnivorous diets I have become convinced that a balanced whole food plant based diet is nutritionally complete (in conjunction with the appropriate supplementation such as b12 and omega fatty acid supplements.) In fact, if the likes of Dr. Gregor are correct, WFPB is very likely superior to an omnivorous diet. Mock meats are ok, but they are generally considered by health and fitness experts to be ‘transition foods’ for those who are transitioning from omnivore to vegan. I eat mock meats too often and it would help me lose weight if I stopped eating them so much. Are we hard-wired by evolution to enjoy the taste of meat? Perhaps, I don’t know. We are certainly hardwired to enjoy calorically dense foods, and animal products do tend to be ~1000kcal per pound, so it would make sense that we crave them. But there is a whole world or culinary delight to be enjoyed in lentils and beans. Skilfully cooked and flavoured tofu or seitan is extremely delicious and is usually healthier than mock meats (which tend to contain a lot of oil.) Culturally people’s culinary traditions mean they are understandably attached to the flavour and texture of meat. I enjoy meat but I chose not to eat it for ethical, environmental and health reasons. When I speak to people, especially older people, they say they don’t want to eat mock meats because they “don’t know what they are getting.” But then again, they haven’t always considered what is actually in their meat, for example, residues of antibiotics or harmful viruses and bacteria. And they often haven’t considered the advantages of mock meats, such as they contain no dietary cholesterol or heme iron. My observation is that people are very suspicious of mock meats, and especially suspicious of the idea of cultured meats. It will take a lot to convince them that it is better for their health to eat cultured meat than to eat real meat. And it will have to taste convincingly like real meat. I desperately hope that humanity will learn, before it is too late, to value the lives of the animals and the life support systems of our planet over taste pleasure. George Monbiot’s ‘Regenesis’and Ed Winter’s ‘Vegan Propaganda’ are IMO two important books that have come out this year. I’d recommend reading them. And it’s a good idea to read these books and give them some thought before dismissing them. For my part, I will try not to dismiss those on the opposite side of the argument. If we try to learn arguments for and against on both sides, then we will hopefully arrive at the best way forward. Let’s save the soil, the biodiversity, the animals, the oceans! Let’s grow our food in a truly sustainable way! Let’s stop supporting animal agriculture and fishing, lest the land become barren and the oceans empty! Thanks Novara, excellent interview 👍

[@fromeveryting29]

I agree. And as a philosophy student animal rights is also the only logical conclusion of every principle of justice we have. There is no actual justification of animal exploitation that isn’t some form of suprematism akin to racism or any other unjustified moral divide between groups. I think the reason so many people resist plant based alternatives and have generally very low nutritional litteracy is marketing and capitalist forces. The meat industry has pulled a genious marketing trick in making people believe that they need extreme ammounts of protein, and meat is where to get it. They have made generations believe they NEED meat at almost every meal, every day. The meat industry has also been busted numerous times in using tobacco style fabrications of «studies» in their favour and rely heavily on appeals to nature, tradition and the mass spreading of misinformation oline, which is truly rampant. As we see a growing fascist wave across the world, we will likely see more and more an allyship between fascism and animal agriculture. They both want to cling to a «trasitional natural order» of dominators and dominated, they both rely on anti-intellectualism and psuedoscience, they both fetishize violence and «masculinity» as domination over the weak. So I’m afraid we will see even more misinformation and reactionary dismissal of science the coming years.

[@stevesmith8522]

Aaron, you steered this conversation beautifully. George is across all of it. You should be rightly proud of this interview. I’d love to learn of the research process behind an interview like this. I’m reading Less is More by Jason Hickel. That would be a good interview.

[@MichaelJohnField]

Thanks for this brilliant discussion / interview. I'm currently reading George's 'Regenesis' and I am amazed at how little I knew about soil and the effect of the destruction on nitrogen etc used by farming (even though I did know about toxic sludge lakes in the US etc). Personally I went plant-based a few years back for health reasons first and for the planet next. I've been reading George's articles in the Guardian for some time. I would use the term 'sleepwalking' regarding how the planet is going and the lack of action. The governments are doing so little (Costa Rica being an fantastic exception). There are enough good reasons to go plant-based purely based on health that have been known about from over 30 years. But the bigger problems of our house essentially 'burning down' around us while we are not paying attention.. it's astonishing. George has some great ideas in the book. Thanks for the great discussion and for giving him proper space and for a brief summary of some of his most important points in the book. It's the first time I've heard Aaron do and interview and I will definitely keep an eye out for more vids like this!

[@kevinu.k.7042]

An excellent interview on this crucial topic. Thanks. I have now bought your latest book Mr Monbiot 👍 Beef is 26% protein. Beans are approx. 21% protein. The reliance on meat has been amendable for a thousand years or more.

[@juliewake4585]

Of course it is. We certainly don’t need meat, or dairy, or eggs.

[@andrewtrip8617]

Do you really think the human diet is reducible to protein ?

[@kevinu.k.7042]

@@andrewtrip8617 Protein is the dietary element under discussion!

[@dodododatdatdat]

This was THE best interview/talk ive seen all year!

[@pauleaton3578]

We need more George Monbiots in the world

[@lisaharriman8560]

I'm vegetarian, and I don't drink milk and I am now planning to giving up cheese. Can I eat eggs from my own hens and is it still ok to use their manure on my compost heap. Fantastic interview. SO nice to hear a talk by a person who like me is questioning the systems we live by.

[@davidpalk5010]

So you want to eat avian ovulations? Yuk!

[@lastdreamofhome]

Sorry you didn't get a serious answer - generally vegans feed their hen's eggs back to them to help replenish the calcium they lose from laying regularly. (This is one of the reasons hens in factory farms develop osteoporosis - before selective breeding hens only laid about a dozen eggs a year.) But using their manure for your own compost is absolutely fine! I remember when I first started questioning these things and went vegetarian. Been vegan for three years now. It's great to see Novara covering these issues!

[@ThyCorylus]

None of this needs to be dogmatic. If you have hens, eat their eggs and of course you can use their waste for manure. You're not contributing to net carbon with this practice. I think the discussion around this and particularly the way George is framing things. It's fear based tactics, not dissimilar to religious calls for the end of the world. If we think logically, there are low impact ways to harvest eggs or even meat on a small scale. The issue is the industrialisation of farming.

[@fromeveryting29]

@@ThyCorylusI as a philosophy student would disagree. The issue most emphasized here is the ethics of the climate impact of using animals as our consumables. The ethics of using animals at all is a whole new issue. There is no rational basis to discriminate animals from having basic rights to life and their body. Even «small scale family farming» relies on using, hurting and exploiting animals in a way that is horribly unethical. Sexual exploitation, violence, manipulation. These are the features of the relationship between animals and humans when humans use animals for their own ends. Any relationship based on these features are the definition of injustice. Also, science shows clearly that the only dietary pattern that can actually be maintained on one earth, without signifigantly warming the planet, is a vegan diet with a MAXIMUM of one meal a month with beef, for example. But why shoot for the maximum limit, when that entails both the harm to defenceless animals and the idea that animals are consumables and treats. It would inevitably lead to animal products as a status symbol and insentivize even more brutal exploitation. Animals are here on the planet as our moral equals. What makes us valuable, is exactly what we share with them. They are subjects of their own life, and value what happens to them. Every single feeling individual on this planet deserves our respect, deserves to socialize, be healthy, feel safety and live their full life without some dominant class exploiting them.

[@andrewtrip8617]

@@fromeveryting29 as a philosopher you can extend the same ethics to plants as we now know that they individually and collectively experience communication ,excitement shock and fainting from fear .. where are you going to draw the line as we discover more realms of our influence .

[@lornathomson7350]

Wow!! such a powerful discussion . As a family we went vegan 4 years ago and as George said, amazing how quickly you lose the taste for meat and dairy. I’ll be sharing with friends as so well explained . We need more of this thanks .

[@bereal6590]

👏👏

[@koroespinacas]

Just donated 15 quid to Novara. Keep bringing the quality stuff!!!!!

[@JayshreeKalbhor-qx5jy]

The Best interview I have ever heard. Such valuable information for each person on this planet to eat right and save the planet. This information should be shown in all schools.

[@lisawilliamson5012]

That conversation is so inspiring! I have listened twice already, and will listen again for the radical concepts to sink in. I believe this is the right path. I want to get it right before I share these ideas with others. Thank you both for such humanism and intellect shared on the internet. 🙏

[@rosalindnorth558]

Brilliant conversation. Loved every minute of it. 👏👏👏

[@JimGroome]

"You could go on Joe Rogan and do three hours" And I'd listen to the whole thing. Great stuff as always.

[@bereal6590]

This is amazing and not disrespectful common sense but UNFORTUNATELY most of the people on the planet don't have any. Great interview and this should be shown in schools and public tv warnings. My heart also sank over bojo and Madeley and I didn't have children precisely because of the state of this world/planet ✌

[@SingularityMedia]

Respect existence or expect resistance. Respect to any vegans out there, we are making progress.

[@40yearoldvirgil15]

✊

[@bereal6590]

👍✌

[@sarahjaneross2918]

🎉

[@philbeattie3978]

WOW!!! Best information/ conversation/ interview I have heard since Cristopher Hitchens died.. George you are a breath of fresh air.

[@nikolatomanovic9966]

One of the most interesting interviews I have ever seen. Well done yet again Novara!

[@pigstonwidget]

An absolutely mind blowingly informative and inspiring interview.

[@Mesterjakel7]

Thank you for doing this crucial interview, all vegans should be leftist and all leftist should be vegan. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.'' - Dr. Martin Luther King

[@iutubiutampoc]

His book Regenesis is one of the best I've ever read, both in form and content.

[@graemesmith9844]

This is the tastiest media I have ever consumed. In my view the lone thing left unsaid by this majestic interview is that many products consumed by animal agriculture are themselves fossil-fuel derived.

[@RapidBlindfolds]

Haven’t watched the video yet but I’m loving the positive reactions in the comments. Hardly any anti vegan trolls

[@neneautorepairs1602]

Excellent interview. T,hank you Mr Bastani.

[@Vaf20]

I went vegan 6 years ago. Im so glad I did. Best decision i ever made ✌️🌱

[@bobearle1727]

Great interview. Keep going with these long interviews. You give the interviewee time to give the detail, and not just looking for a soundbite.

[@royloveday4350]

Thank you. This message is so important.

[@robertbollen]

So much interesting and useful learning here. Thank you Aaron and George. Key question: how do we keep precision fermentation open source? (Remember how 3D printers went)

[@lesleybyron5069]

George Monbiot is the environmental science journalist guru I listen to the most. He knows much more than I do about his field. Having lived in southern Europe for almost 2 decades where many local people had been producing their own local produce, knew every edible wild plant as well as any botanist, and living in sustainable ways for thousands of years it broke my heart when on my last visit I found the transformation of their economy following the adoption of the Euro had resulted in the best most valuable and wonderful aspects of their rich agricultural culture was being concreted over and replaced "with" mega-sized supermarkets.

[@gilpalmafernandes]

Thank you for your very interesting insights on the impacts of eating meat on the environment. Very enlightening.

[@heroicheretic2619]

Honestly could listen to a 10 hour podcast!

[@michaelrch]

Love George. Love Aaron. Love this book. Loved this interview. Please take note folks. This is the future of society at stake.

[@petemorgan1019]

Hi George. Warmest regards. Tremendous work. Thank you.

[@Simon-Smith.]

Aaron, you say that there are so many compelling reasons to go vegan, then I guess the question is, what's stopping you from going vegan?

[@theresabarzee1463]

Habit. And his open heart & mind is on the shared path. Change is stressful. Even great, necessary changes are. No blame, no shame. Listening works wonders...No!?

[@theelephantintheroom289]

Bacon....or cheese.

[@andrewtrip8617]

Common sense .?

[@Simon-Smith.]

He's a smart guy, his common sense is saying he should go vegan, yet he still hasn't. I'd love to hear his excuses.@@andrewtrip8617

[@royloveday4350]

Loving the fact that in the background their are two wooden fan chairs peeking around the bookcase desperate to get validation for sequestering carbon and also this deserves a return visit.

[@ahguitar1]

Get George on for a mini-series please. Each of the topics he mentioned could surely be given an hour each. Some graphics on the cycles and connectivity etc. These long form interviews, where interviewees can talk at length without interruption, are so important. An antidote to the banal 'gotcha' style 'combative' journalism that's pervasive in the MSM - a style that inevitably puts the interviewees on the defensive from the start and never allows them room to expand beyond bitesize catchphrases (but maybe it creates a headline).

[@JamieTwells]

I hope this explores the way we fight against arbitrary discrimination on every level and recognise that exploitation of individuals is wrong, except when that arbitrary difference is species. Then the discrimination is somehow defended and financially supported. Why has it taken good people with kind hearts so long to realise that loving dogs and gassing pigs is hypocritical. That standing against misogyny but funding the artificial insemination of female cows is hypocritical. That saying you're an animal lover, but financially supporting an industry that abuses and slaughters billions of animals a year is hypocritical. Why has it taken us all so long to find the strength to be truly compassionate? And why when this is pointed out do we not immediately recognise the need for change and instead attack the messenger as being "radical" or "extremist"? The extreme position is maintaining the status quo. Hell is real, it's a factory farm and it's supplying your groceries. Pick up the exploitation free alternatives next time, it won't kill you. Actually, you'll feel better about yourself for making a stand against oppression.

[@ritawing1064]

100%

[@JojoWasa57]

Unfortunately it seems cognitive dissonance is still in abundance at Novara, even Aaron doesn't seem to get that veganisn should be a moral baseline. Dare he risk fully exposing himself by talking to Gary Francione?

[@40yearoldvirgil15]

Well said mate. Vegan nearly 6 years.

[@eamon_concannon]

By consuming enough calories from starches i.e. potatoes, beans, peas, lentils and minimally processed wholegrain products, one can easily get enough protein and fat and in a healthier way than eating highly processed vegan foods or animal products. It is important that minimally processed plant foods i.e. the foods that humans are well adapted to consuming are not out competed by "technological" food fixes which are ok for occasional use and for those struggling in their transition to a vegan diet.

[@eveb.6568]

George Monbiot, you are doing maximum important work. Keep up spreading the word!!!!!!!!

[@charliestewart885]

george monbiot national treasure

[@oliverwhite712]

Monbiot is unbelievably articulate on all this. The countryside and animal farming are sites of enormous cognitive dissonance. It's incredible to see so many parts of this being picked apart here. When we see more of these ideas practiced and alternatives to animal farming scale up, mentally something will switch in our minds collectively and we will see this era of food production for the shocking, barbaric madness that it is. Yet for now this barbaric madness is still, to the vast majority of people, totally normal. It's a tricky thing to think about and to bring others to think about because it implies accepting that we have been responsible or at least complicit in something truly hellish.

[@kennethmarshall306]

That was worth listening to

[@eveb.6568]

Excellent. This is the man for PM.

[@wilfredsterling2124]

It's utterly disgusting that mainstream media is so pathetic at reporting on these issues. Many of whom are condescending and vilifying of experts that are providing the evidence of the devastating consequences of current farming methods. Nor are they reporting on the many solutions to these problems that don't need to destroy livelihoods

[@jedmaple]

If it wasn't destroying the earth, I wouldn't give a hoot what my dense family wants to eat, but it is killing us all. So, because I've changed and understand the problems and become plant based, I'm the dick. What a world.

[@evolutionrhythm4416]

As well as the positive points discussed about ways to improve food security and therefore ecological sustainability, the country of Wales has the right direction of travel with its One Planet Development policy. Basically, it makes it easier for people to live & work on a small amount of land (e.g., a few hectares) & grow more of their own vegetables using agroecological farming methods. Add this to the sources of protein & phat that George was talking about (win-win)

[@lilliansamuels3976]

I love George so much, amazing man with so much knowledge. I could listen to him for hours and feel like it still isn’t long enough. Excellent interview

[@jaimeperkins9913]

Brilliant !!!

[@thomassciaroni6942]

Also the WATER argument. When all those wells run dry, Animal Ag's stranglehold on WATER resources better become suspect.

[@andrewfranklin302]

There needs to be a proper conversation about agriculture and how farming in a regenerative way needs animals as part of the system .

[@veganevolution]

Wait for him to mention Ian Tolhurst, or "Tolly"

[@michaelrch]

It doesn't though. That's a large part of the book. And it's based on a lot of scientific research now. You cannot imagine that all the science on modelling sustainable food systems, which says we must dramatically reduce animal ag, has somehow just forgotten that soils need to be fertile to grow crops... 🙄

[@40yearoldvirgil15]

We wouldn't been such land if it wasn't for animals. Proper crop rotation can be used if we have all this extra land from NOT raising animals.

[@winniethuo9736]

Allan Savory is a man worth listening to if to pick up on this matter of needing animals to farm in regenerative way. Find him on TED talk, " How to green the worlrd's deserts and reverse climate change' 9years ago; so maybe things have change for him and the knowledge he shared then.

[@suolainenomena7631]

Thank you

[@oldstatueface6317]

It could be worse, you could wake up to find that your SUV's tyres have been let down.

[@victoriamaisey2179]

Amazing interview.

[@omarsiddiqui9224]

Brilliant interview. 👏🏾

[@alanowen5872]

I agree with the overall thrust of the argument, and it's easy to picture "farming" as being large machinery and wealthy, careless agro-barons, but there is no mention of the millions of people in majority nations whose livelihood depends entirely on extensive farming. This video is a fairly typical minority nations view of climate change with no thought for nations who are less privileged. How will the displaced global agricultural communities earn the money to pay for this artificially grown food?

[@serjthereturn]

they're talking about western farming practices, particularly in the UK

[@davidpalk5010]

Less privileged nations are being exploited by global industrial agriculture. That Brazillian soya animal feed isn't for feeding Brazillian cattle. It's for export as a cash crop. Most of the world's ecological problems are due to the industrial-financial complex. There are two ways to sort this. 1. The global financiers and industrialists must accept self-imposed recession. 2. Conumers must make different choices in order to consume less and cause less harm. Rather obviously, neither is likely to happen.

[@andrewtrip8617]

@@serjthereturn most U.K. farms are family owned and run .some with a degree of industrialisation .George deliberately paints a polarised picture to get you to swallow his medicine .Intensive populations require intensive agriculture .

[@fattoad2668]

How ironic that beef is considered greater protein, when the animal it comes from is vegetarian (unless fed animal bits).

[@juliewake4585]

All of the animals we eat are veggie. But where do they get their protein? And calcium? It’s amazing, isn’t it, that so many people think they need to eat meat? And we really don’t need the breast milk of another mammal, do we?

[@robertwilkes2105]

@@juliewake4585 Pigs eat meat. So do Chickens.

[@juliewake4585]

@@robertwilkes2105 they eat what they are given to eat. They are basic vegetarians, with a few grub and insects added.

[@40yearoldvirgil15]

According to conspiracy, cows in America ate the biggest pescatarians on the planet. They are fed the by-catch from the fishing industry.

[@robertwilkes2105]

@@juliewake4585 Pigs grub up the soil and eat worms, grubs etc. So that's meat isn't it?

[@jamesnurgle6368]

I'm glad you cycled back to organic beef, I was quite surprised

[@sarahjaneross2918]

This book is an absolute game changer ❤

[@simongee5879]

Eating meat is definitely the new oil. However what has the world done recently about oil ??... subsidies are up. New pipelines are being built . New wells are being drilled.... it's business as usual and I fear that eating animal products will be treated exactly the same. Fortunately though it is a strictly personal choice and one that can be made regardless of government policies and one that I personally made 10 years ago

[@abidavies154]

Yay! Spread the word dairy and meat farming is very damaging! So glad you gave him airtime 😊

[@55centralparkwest]

Hugely insightful once again. George is very good at explaining these things. Cheers

[@Anastasia.03]

No dig gardening is really amazing. The first time I looked into it it was a consciousness shift after years of learning otherwise. I've been trying to learn more about the wild plants that exist around me and I'm seeing plants in a new way

[@robertwilkes2105]

Charles Dowding is my No Dig guru.

[@Anastasia.03]

@@robertwilkes2105 Yes, I've watched some of his videos on KZbin. They are really cool and somehow comforting 🙂

[@robertwilkes2105]

@@Anastasia.03 He's based in Somerset and has open days. He also gives talks all over the place. I like his dig, no dig trial beds.

[@iiwii8622]

​@@robertwilkes2105 Sounds interesting. I'll check that out. Any other good reads related to this?

[@robertwilkes2105]

@@iiwii8622 Allan Savory, Holistic Management. Check out his TED talk. Joel Salatin. Keyline Design. Richard Perkins has 7 years of you tube videos plus 3 books, incl videos with other Regen ag farmers in Europe.

[@benstutley2904]

Excellent, full stop.

[@endatheworld]

I can relate to his comments about finding the readjustment to different foods quite straightforward. I changed to a vegetarian diet 4.5 years ago. I do not miss meat. I accidentally ate a bit of my son's chicken pasta one night while tidying up and thought I'd eaten a bit of poo! It was rank. It's dead easy to remove meat and cheese/milk from you're diet. I do eat eggs but I buy organic. It's not perfect...but don't let perfect be the enemy of the good. If everyone does something that's better than doing nothing. Unfortunately don't have the space to keep my own hens.

[@endatheworld]

*your. Feckin autocorrect

[@bigbenji6]

Aaron and George, a powerful combination

[@Zvire09]

Came out of veganism two years ago, never comming back. It makes (most) people sick.

[@stoutside]

only if you have no idea what you're doing

[@markrieke8753]

I’ve been Vegan for more than 20 years. It was the best decision I’ve ever made. It’s not that hard and gets easier it gets. It’s actually cheaper than eating meat. Beans, grains, and seeds and fruit are not that expensive and extremely healthy.

[@jellycleaver5969]

Wow that was so interesting, just ordered the book

[@adrianwhyatt1425]

In 2008, over a weekend, his newspaper, the Guardian, and it's sister Sunday newspaper, the Observer, published a two-part booklet, entitled "The World's Healthiest People" about the monks of Mount Athos. Traditional Orthodox Christian diets and lifestyle are the healthiest to follow.

[@migattenogokui1306]

Money is worthless if the makert shelves are empty. Instead of buying me a house, I bought a 6km farm field 1 year ago. I' m growing my own potatos and ognions, not needing to buy them anymore. And it's being enough for my nuclear family. This second year I think of expanding it to other types of veggies. All this without using irrigation. I have natural lakes and i save rain water during the winter. Last year i haven't spent a cent in water. FYI I am a Portuguese guy living in Portugal...sorry for any english mistakes

[@mattiethemongoose3rd]

OMG, I want elephants here! I love elephants! I want a herd of elephants living on the marsh nearby, much better than cattle.

[@andrewtrip8617]

Are elephant farts less harmful than cows belches ? Or do you just prefer elephant burgers 🍔.

[@ubiktd4064]

The biggest threat to the planet is billionaires who will never have enough.

[@cheshirecat1212]

I’m a vegetarian because I don’t like animal suffering. But I’m still on the fence about whether eating meat is immoral. At the same time, I disagree with the *amount* of meat we consume. In Australia it’s normal to have meat up to 3 times per day e.g. bacon and eggs for breakfast, deli meat sandwich for lunch and a meat dish for dinner. I didn’t conceive of the possibility that meat didn’t need to be a food staple until I went to live in Germany where my host family would have meat maybe 3-4 times per week- because it’s more expensive there. Most meat-eaters will defend their dietary choice while lamenting the existence of factory farms and climate change. But what if all meat-eaters cut down their consumption to 3-4 times per week? Imagine the impact that would have on factory farming. Or take a quality over quantity approach? Go out of your way and/or pay more for grass-fed beef, buy directly from the farmer etc.? I’ve accepted that I cannot give up butter or chocolate. Otherwise I’d be vegan. So I understand how jarring it can be for a meat-eater to hear ‘Just be vegan.’ But surely just consuming less and paying more for meat that’s a bit less cruelly-sourced isn’t asking too much?

[@DandelionGum1]

If you're vegetarian for the animals have you ever considered the amount of harm required to produce milk and eggs? It's not pretty. Milk for example practically requires the slaughter of calves since, like any mammal, cows will only produce milk when they've been impregnated. This is done around every 12 months in the industry, which means a new calf every 12 months. It's not financially viable to keep these calves fed and houses (especially the males) so they are either killed as soon as possible, or shipped off for veal. Eggs are also reliant on animal harm. When hens are produced in hatcheries, the males are considered useless so are killed as soon as they have hatched and had their sex determined. This is for free range and battery hens. If you are interested in halting your support of these practices then you should not support eggs or dairy.

[@cheshirecat1212]

@@DandelionGum1 Good thing I don’t eat eggs and milk. (I eat chocolate and butter though). Anyway what’s your point? That I’m not doing enough? Even though I’m consuming far less animal products than the average person?

[@DandelionGum1]

@@cheshirecat1212 My point is not that you're not doing enough. Rather that if you don't eat meat because you are against animal harm, then it doesn't make sense for you to be financially supporting animal harm through funding chocolate and butter production. For example, if you are against bull fighting, would it really make sense for you to simply cut back on the amount of tickets you buy? Or would it make more sense never to buy tickets? It's a hard pill to swallow, but if you are buying butter and milk chocolate then you are consequentially and unavoidably funding animal harm and slaughter. Eggs and dairy cannot realistically be produced without slaughter. If you are truly against animal cruelty like you say, then stop paying for it.

[@ChickpeatheTortie]

You are obviously oblivious to the fact that dairy farming is the sickest and most savage of the lot

[@elias.knotman]

Come on, Geroge. The cows-farting-will-lead-to-armageddon hypothesis is absurd. It was always a preoccupation of the humus class. Factually incorrect.

[@jasonbuhagiar2997]

This guy really spoke a load of alarmist nonsense.

[@adrianwhyatt1425]

At 1.11.00 or so - dangers of droughts in an arc from Portugal to Pakistan.

[@roberdrc]

Please do another on soil. Fascinating, if somewhat terrifying.

[@peterstickland5166]

wonderful/thank you

[@666bruv]

He should give up food altogether, croppingn is a massive destructive action

[@SuperTonyony]

Civilization is a heat engine. This brute datum won’t go away.

[@bertross9727]

Dogs eat their own body weight in meat every month. If your dog weighs around 7kg congratulations, you've doubled your meat consumption.

[@Pixieworksstudio]

Thank goodness you are bringing this up. Have you read Toxic Legacy?