Tackling Global Warming: Eating Insects The Way Forward! - Kofi Annan

Kofi Annan, the former United Nations Secretary-General, has suggested people cut back on meat consumption and eat bugs if the world wants to stop Global Warming.

According to him, the consumption of insects is a better option for keeping the body and the environment safe and sound.  

“Eating insects is good for the environment and balanced diets,” he asserted.

“Keeping meat consumption to levels recommended by health authorities would lower emissions and reduce heart disease, cancer, and other diseases,” Mr. Annan said in an interview with the Sunday Guardian.

“…and of course there are alternative sources of protein. For example, raising insects as an animal protein source...insects have a very good conversion rate from feed to meat. They make up part of the diet of two billion people and are commonly eaten in many parts of the world”, Mr. Annan continued.

“Insects are reported to emit fewer greenhouse gases and less ammonia than cattle or pigs, and they require significantly less land and water than cattle rearing,” the U.N. reported in 2013.

In December, U.N. delegates are expected to hash out a successor to the now-expired Kyoto Protocol at this year’s United Nations climate summit in Paris.

For years, the U.N. has advocated eating bugs as a way to offset livestock production.

The international body says there are more than 1,900 types of edible bugs on the planet. The U.N. also says livestock is a major emitter of greenhouse gas emissions, mostly from methane.

“Compared with mammals and birds, insects may also pose less risk of transmitting zoonotic infections to humans, livestock and wildlife, although this topic requires further research.”

These “peak beefers” also note that insects “are a highly nutritious and healthy food source with high fat, protein, vitamin, fibre and mineral content.”