You are invited to come discuss vegetarianism with us, both personally and politically. Trump has declared climate change to be a Chinese hoax; however, our emissions remain dangerously high as individuals, groups, businesses, universities, cities, states, and countries attempt to fight this catastrophic threat. How important is diet and the food system in this struggle?

In this internet age, we are bombarded by too much information. One area this is especially true is diet. Hundreds of well intentioned and confusing diets have been proposed. What is the role of eating meat in our diet? Should we be eating animals? Are you confused about what diet to eat? Do you avoid meat or embrace it? Whatever course you take—why?

We will explore the pros and cons of eating meat when it comes to climate and ethics. All perspectives are welcome, from carnivores to vegans! Alex Colledge will facilitate.

You can read this report about the importance of reducing meat consumption.

You can also read about the importance of eating meat in this article

Whether or not you join us, you might ponder these questions:

• Do animals have rights?
• Is a plant-based diet more environmentally friendly than eating meat?
  
• Do the ethical benefits of sparing animals outweigh the nutritional benefits of eating meat?
  
• Is it more difficult to find affordable and accessible nutritious vegetarian food?
  
• Won’t avoiding meat cause protein and nutrient deficiencies?
  
• Humans have evolved over millions of years to consume meat. Isn’t it natural to eat meat?
  
• How is eating ethically raised animals different from factory farming?
  
• Would forgoing meat and dairy lead to massive greenhouse gas reduction in emissions?
  
• 80% of world’s farmland is used for livestock and produces less than 20% of the world’s calories. Wouldn’t veganism save the planet and stop deforestation?
  
• What would be the climate impact of eating vegetarian for a year? 

This session is the Dialogue Group’s last session until fall.

The 4th Principle Dialogue Group promotes the “free & responsible search for truth & meaning,” pursuing the congregational goal of Connected Community. We get to know each other and connect to each other through meaningful, open-hearted dialogue. Drop-ins welcome. Homework not required. See more in UU Connect.