by Kate Rawles
9. August 2010 08:52
The anthropologist nervously stroked her antennae. The renewal – or not – of her research grant most likely depended on what she said next.
‘And the update on Earth food production systems?’ The request came from the chief Martian Institute Research Coordinator himself. This was it. The anthropologist flicked through her files.
‘We have observed’, she said, hesitantly, ‘a very substantial rise in the consumption of “meat” – flesh from deceased animals – across a range of human populations, largely facilitated by changes in farming technology. What many of these Earth beings have now realized, however’, she said, warming to her theme, ‘is that this rise in meat consumption, initially thought to be beneficial, is generating multiple interlocking problems. These include human health issues, as well as aggravated incidence of zoonotic diseases, such as swine flu. The systems in question are also extremely negative in relation to the welfare of the beings who are “produced”. And, perhaps most significantly, recent research by Earth scientists themselves has revealed that the production of meat is one of the largest single contributors to anthropogenic climate change. This climate change is on a trajectory predicted to cause the extinction of about one half of Earth’s current suite of species and widespread resource conflict, death and displacement of the human species, by the end of the Earth century. Many negative impacts will of course occur well in advance of that and a significant number are already underway. In our view, as well as that of Earth scientists, it is not clear that Earth’s human societies can survive this degree of climate change. They certainly cannot in their current form.’
‘Fascinating, indeed’, the chief MIRC acknowledged. ‘Presumably your research interest lies in assessing the efficacy of the humans’ strategies for reversing this situation?’
‘No’, the anthropologist replied. ‘That is precisely the point. It lies in our discovery – quite unique in my cosmic career – that this species appears intent on acting against its own interests. Despite humanity’s rapidly burgeoning knowledge and understanding of these issues, and notwithstanding their reasonably well-developed analytical brains (by outer arm Milky Way standards at least) and even an average compassion rating (ironically especially well developed in relation to large animals with eyes), dominant sectors of these societies are not only maintaining but even increasing their own meat consumption, as well as exporting it to previously low-meat consumption sectors of the Earth community as a desirable norm.’
‘Cosmos above!’ the chief MIRC said, visibly astonished. ‘What, in your view, is the likelihood of this policy – if it can be called a policy – being reversed?’
‘That greatly depends, in our view, on the extent to which the current and highly fortuitous Earth economic “credit crunch” continues to allow a rare window of opportunity for intervention in the typically rather blind allegiance to a largely market-led system by principled, compassionate, farsighted, scientifically informed ethicists creating and taking up positions of influence within a greatly strengthened International Food Policy decision making board.’
‘Unlikely, in other words’, said the chief MIRC. ‘I see. Grant application request extended! Next applicant!’
“Outdoor philosopher” Dr Kate Rawles is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Cumbria. She will be speaking on how we can develop ethical, sustainable and compassionate food policies at Compassion in World Farming’s Peter Roberts Memorial Lecture ‘Beef, Bread and Water: Ethical food in a warm and thirsty world’, which will take place in London on 20 September 2010 to coincide with the United Nations Millenium Development Goals Conference. She is a chapter author of an Earthscan book compiled by Joyce D’Silva (Compassion in World Farming’s Director of Public Affairs) and Professor John Webster entitled ‘The Meat Crisis’. This book will detail the growing evidence that we cannot progress along current supply and procurement paths and still expect to feed the world and provide sustainable livelihoods for farmers around the globe.
