The Proof with Simon Hill

Regenerative beef: Legit or climate scam? | George Monbiot

Oct 23, 2023

George Monbiot, acclaimed environmental activist and author, challenges popular beliefs about regenerative agriculture. Topics include carbon offsetting, global impact of cattle ranching, flaws in studies supporting regenerative grazing, genuine carbon offset programs, carbon opportunity costs, and the imperative to care for the environment.

01:32:06

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Episode guests

George Monbiot

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Quick takeaways

Livestock grazing as a solution to climate change lacks scientific evidence and fails to meet criteria of carbon storage and offsetting emissions.

Shifting social attitudes towards issues such as homophobia, misogyny, and racism can occur rapidly once approximately 25% of the population adopts a new perspective.

Repurposing farming incentives to transition livestock farmers to conservationists can enhance biodiversity, combat climate change, and create sustainable farming practices.

Deep dives

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Efficiency of agricultural land use for food production

01:22

Comparing studies within the holistic grazing community

01:21

Reconsidering Land Use: Beyond Extractivism

01:48

The Power of Social Tipping Points

01:19

Introduction

2min

The Importance of Omega Fatty Acids and a Debate on Livestock Grazing

2min

Debate on Holistic Grazing and Climate Change Mitigation

32min

Determining the Legitimacy of Carbon Offsets and the Challenges Faced by Consumers

2min

Land Use and Carbon Opportunity Cost

28min

Analyzing the Lack of Scientific Evidence and Explanation in a Debate

3min

Debate Disappointment and Frustration

22min

Episode #284. Is grass-fed beef truly the eco-friendly choice? Join me as I sit down with George Monbiot, acclaimed environmental activist and author, to challenge popular beliefs about regenerative agriculture.

Discover the debate on carbon offsetting, the global impact of cattle ranching, and uncover why George believes that our current understanding might just be the world's most significant greenwash.

Specifically, we discuss:

Introduction (00:00)
Who is Allan Savory? Exploring the "Is Livestock Grazing Vital for Climate Change Mitigation?" Debate (01:22)
The Environmental Impact of Beef Consumption: Allan Savory's Claims and Evidence (05:39)
The Flaws in Allan Savory's Supporting Studies (13:26)
Soil Carbon Saturation and Greenhouse Gas Emissions (18:05)
The Distinction Between Carbon Storage and Carbon Sequestration (21:04)
Misunderstandings Surrounding Carbon Credit Schemes (26:17)
Identifying Genuine Carbon Offset Programmes (33:04)
Overlooking Carbon Opportunity Costs: Common Misconceptions (34:28)
Debunking the Myth: Is Carbon Opportunity Cost a Grand Deception? (41:26)
Is It Too Late for Climate Change Reversal? (52:03)
Allan Savory's Assertions in Light of Contrary Evidence (57:54)
George Monbiot Reflects on the Calibre of His Debate with Allan Savory (1:09:20)
Livestock Farming and Farmer Revenues: Dispelling Myths (1:12:21)
George Monbiot Shares His Sentiments on the Degradation of the Natural World (1:20:15)
Why It Matters: The Imperative to Care (1:22:50)
Outro (1:24:27)

You can find a comprehensive database of George Monbiot’s work on his website, https://www.monbiot.com/, which encompasses his journalistic work and books. Get his book ‘Regenesis’ here. Connect with him on Twitter/X, Instagram, and Threads. Search “George Monbiot” on YouTube to find a wealth of videos like his short film with Greta Thunberg, this TED Talk, and this fascinating video about wolves and the balance of nature.

If you missed George Monbiot’s first episode on The Proof, addressing food, politics, and the environment, make sure to listen to it here.

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Enjoy, friends.

Simon

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Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons)

Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill

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