Food for thought on our carbon footprint
The close correlation between diet and environment that has been demonstrated by Michael Clark at the University of Oxford (Healthy food choices best for people and planet, study shows, 29 October) is interesting and potentially important. I hope the researchers will extend their studies into the environmental impact of what is variously known as cultured, in vitro or lab-grown meat. These products are now reaching consumers and prices will fall. Ostensibly, they appear environmentally beneficial.
The “meat” is grown from cell samples painlessly extracted from a small number of animals, so killing and longdistance freighting is eliminated. Methane
from domestic ruminants will be drastically reduced. Forests need not be supplanted by grazing or soy production for animal feed. Land can be released for growing more plant-based food or to be returned to nature. If it can also be shown that environmental harm is curbed, the role these products can play will be crucial in reducing greenhouse gasses. More research is required as soon as possible.Patrick CosgroveChapel Lawn,Shropshire
• I take issue with your editorial on Extinction Rebellion (22 October) and whether it wishes to achieve “reform or revolution”. Neither, thank you. Our three aims are clear: truth-telling to government, rapid action towards zerocarbon emissions, and – for many of us the most important one – a citizens’ assembly charged with mapping out the best ways in which the UK can address the climate emergency.
We believe a citizens’ assembly, like the Irish one that addressed abortion, can create a plan that most members of this country would buy into and act upon. It is disappointing that the government shows no sign of accepting this modest request – but it also disappointing that journalists are not putting pressure on ministers to explain their thinking (if any) on this. Mark HaworthBoothSwimbridge, Devon
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