In the first half, Professor of Biology and Earth & Space Sciences, Peter Ward discussed planetary and environmental concerns, including climate change, global warming, flooding, and volcanoes, as well as post-pandemic effects on society. Touching on the issue of climate change and its impact on marine life, he noted the role of ocean warming in reducing oxygen levels, which causes fish to grow smaller, and how this poses a threat to global fisheries. Ward also addressed the increasing levels of carbon dioxide due to coal burning, stating, "As carbon dioxide goes up, the world gets warmer."
Regarding the fear that coastal cities could be submerged, Ward urged caution against an alarmist response. Instead, he focused on the more immediate threat of intense rainfall events, which he described as "the worst thing" resulting from climate change, warning that "as the world gets warmer, more water evaporates out of the oceans." Ward also shared his insights on natural disasters, expressing more concern about the risk of earthquakes in the Seattle area than the Yellowstone Caldera's potential eruption.
He reflected on the impact of COVID-19 on education, particularly for younger students who missed crucial in-person learning, and pondered what happens when we have a generation that may be less educated due to the pandemic. Ward was critical of firings and cuts at scientific government organizations like the NIH, which helped develop life-saving vaccines in record time, and NOAA, which provides needed data for weather forecasting and meteorologists.
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In the latter half, Chief Investigator for the Humane Farming Association, Gail Eisnitz, presented her research and investigations into abuses within the US slaughterhouse industry. She revealed shocking findings, such as "Many cows at a slaughterhouse were having their heads skinned while they were still fully conscious." This led to the closure of a plant after her whistleblower report surfaced, highlighting the systemic cruelty in animal processing. She believes "Americans have a right to know what animals suffer to get to their dinner tables."
Pointing out the alarming increase in slaughter speeds, she reported that "cattle are killed at a rate of 390 per hour, while hogs are killed at 1,106 per hour," leading to severe violations of humane treatment standards. Further, she expressed concern over the recent Trump administration policy changes that would increase these speeds even more. Addressing the psychological toll on workers, she noted that many are forced to comply with inhumane practices or risk their jobs.
Eisnitz also commented on the alarming lack of oversight, explaining that the USDA allocates only 3% of its meat inspection budget to enforce humane slaughter regulations. Additionally, she detailed the grim fate of male chicks in the egg industry, stating, "They are macerated right after birth... ground up alive or smothered." She described the horrific conditions of laying hens, crammed into cages the size of a microwave, leading to severe frustration and injury among the birds. Eisnitz painted a stark picture of animal suffering and called for greater public awareness and responsibility regarding food choices.
News segment guests: Howard Bloom, Mish Shedlock