Could lab-grown meat help save wild nature?

[DavidBrown]

Scientists in Singapore are producing shrimp created from cells in a lab. Other companies are doing the same thing with beef chicken, and other meats.

If we can grow most of our meat in the lab could that help protect natural habitats that are now used for raising cows, pigs, shrimp, etc? It is an interesting conservation possibility of the not-that-distant future.

The first lab-grown meat for sale could come from this Singapore startup that's re-creating shrimp

 

[Rayane]

I'm sceptical as the issue is not butchery, it's the industry, and I don't think they're willing to change it all. Money always wins right doesn't it?

 

[Dassie rat]

I think that if agricultural land wasn't used for livestock, much of it would be replaced by buildings and there would be less space for wildlife

 

[birdsandbats]

I think that if agricultural land wasn't used for livestock, much of it would be replaced by buildings and there would be less space for wildlife

I agree with this. What land is 'saved" from agriculture would just turn into buildings for producing this "meat". We should instead focus on making our existing agricultural land more environmentally friendly.

I'm not really sure I would be willing to eat any of this "meat", either.

 

[Jurek7]

Some issues:
- It is equally possible that lab grown meat would be more destructive to nature. Energy, machinery and raw materials for this technology must be produced somehow. Companies which produce such products (there was a lab-grown burger few years ago) don't talk about the whole environmental cost. It may become more efficient with time, but for now: the most energy-saving technology to make shrimp meals, perfected for centuries is called shrimp.
- Production of meat and seafood employs many people, both directly and indirectly. If this is changed, economy and societies of literally whole countries and regions could collapse.
- Such technology should be outside usual patent laws. Nobody wants one or few greedy corporations controlling and demanding tithes from world's food supply.
- Dassie rat pointed already, that much land used for growing meat is extensively used and habitat for wildlife. It will not be abandoned and return to nature, more likely will be put to other human uses, which might not be environmental friendly.

Summing up, this technology has potential, but can potentially make much harm to environment, wildlife and society if not controlled.

On top of it, I am uncertain what is demand for such meat. For example, Europe produces excess food already, agriculture is mostly about farm lobby, and people want high-quality food, not vat-grown food. Would it be a niche market for veggies, or cheap 2nd class protein for the poor, but then what about the poor having no money, and the other poor who make a living from traditional aquaculture?

 

[Onychorhynchus coronatus]

Some issues:
- It is equally possible that lab grown meat would be more destructive to nature. Energy, machinery and raw materials for this technology must be produced somehow. Companies which produce such products (there was a lab-grown burger few years ago) don't talk about the whole environmental cost. It may become more efficient with time, but for now: the most energy-saving technology to make shrimp meals, perfected for centuries is called shrimp.
- Production of meat and seafood employs many people, both directly and indirectly. If this is changed, economy and societies of literally whole countries and regions could collapse.
- Such technology should be outside usual patent laws. Nobody wants one or few greedy corporations controlling and demanding tithes from world's food supply.
- Dassie rat pointed already, that much land used for growing meat is extensively used and habitat for wildlife. It will not be abandoned and return to nature, more likely will be put to other human uses, which might not be environmental friendly.

Summing up, this technology has potential, but can potentially make much harm to environment, wildlife and society if not controlled.

On top of it, I am uncertain what is demand for such meat. For example, Europe produces excess food already, agriculture is mostly about farm lobby, and people want high-quality food, not vat-grown food. Would it be a niche market for veggies, or cheap 2nd class protein for the poor, but then what about the poor having no money, and the other poor who make a living from traditional aquaculture?

All good points you've made there.