International Group to Study Meat-Climate Link

The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) said it will study the effect of meat production on climate change, hoping to find some middle ground between the divisive points of view that have emerged on the issue, according to Reuters.

It is the first time the Paris-based organization has decided to examine an environmental issue and is doing so in response to requests by member countries.

Internationally, environmentalists - including the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization - have focused on meat as a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Many call for a reduction in the consumption of meat.

But OIE Director-General Bernard Vallat indicated that his organization would look at all of the issue's complicated aspects, according to the Reuters report. One element to consider is the wisdom of cutting back on the production of meat, milk and eggs at a time when the world's growing population demands more protein.

"There is not yet a scientific model that can prove that our planet could do without milk, eggs or meat," Reuters quoted Vallat as saying.

Ultimately, then, the study would be expected to recommend areas of subsequent research in order to limit the effects of livestock and meat production on the environment. Reprinted from meatingplace.com