The Vegetarians

Certain leaders in my family have suddenly become vegetarians or near-vegetarians, which has given me something to think about.

Humans and bears evolved as omnivores. They enjoy meat, and animal protein has been important in the physical development of children. Arguing that it is morally okay for an osprey but not a chimpanzee to eat fish hasn't been entirely convincing. But the situation has changed.

Science has invented plant-based meat and clean meat. The Impossible Burger is plant-based, and it is suddenly available everywhere. Clean meat is genuine cell-based meat grown in a factory. Soon you'll be able to buy factory-grown chicken meat indistinguishable from meat from a dead bird.

Growing crops to feed cattle and all that follows is, I hear, a major contributor to global warming. Science is telling us we face a catastrophe. We have choices to make.