In the latest study, the planetary risks of eating intensively-produced meat and dairy produce comes under examination.
Every year we raise and eat 65 billion animals (nine animals for every person on the globe). At the moment, nearly a third of the Earth's arable land is devoted to raising the animals we either eat or milk.
The link between cattle and greenhouse gases is not new. If you like your burgers you probably don't want to consider what's happening to the environment. However, take a moment to find out.
With the world's cities seeing a boom in burger restaurants, and more people from around the world adopting American-style diets, there is a substantial increase in meat and dairy consumption.
Consequently, more forests, as well as land currently used for arable crops, will change to accommodate grazing cattle, which in turn will raise methane levels. The trees are so important to keep the planet breathing.
A big improvement will come if the world's population learns to stop wasting food. We feed roughly 30% of agricultural crops to animals. The report urges eating two portions of red meat and seven of poultry per week.
Meat consumption is predicted to double in the next 40 years as people globally get wealthier.
Okay, we have the facts. But we're faced with tough decisions and tight funds.
Consider chickens, raised in appalling conditions to keep prices low. Where's their quality of life? On the other hand, people on low incomes can't afford to buy birds that are allowed to run free.
Protein can come from other sources, like mushrooms, beans and lentils. But many men refuse to be fobbed off, and don't consider they are eating a proper meal without meat.
I stopped eating red mean in the late 80s after the mad cow disease. We eat mostly birds and fish. But my husband, who is the cook, slips tiny pieces of bacon into various dishes to give them extra flavor. I can't protest for the sake of matrimonial harmony. And I don't want to lose my wonderful chef.
What are your thoughts on eating cattle?