Jeremy Rifkin- Expert, Author.....short summary of Beyond Beef

I've just read Rifkin's book about the cattle and beef industry- Beyond Beef. It is very critical of the beef industry.

He presents an amazing critique and summary of the industry. He reveals that the beef industry is actually causing global and environmental threats to mankind and the earth that may end up being catastrophic. Yes, you read that right.

It is not just a matter of animal rights. And yes, the fact that beef and animal products are a cause of health problems and disease is very important and actually tragic.

But Rifkin shows that the whole beef and cattle issue is more than those things- it is actually a matter of survival for mankind and the earth. If the developed world, which demands and consumes beef, continues their beef-consumption lifestyle, the earth may not be able to handle it. More than that, much of the world has been and is now suffering the serious consequences of this over-emphasis on beef. Rifkin points out that beef is big business all over the world.

The beef and cattle industry is a contributing factor to the fact that almost 20% of the world s population is living in abject poverty and with rampant disease and death. The poorest people of the world are starved to support the appetites of wealthy nations.