Edible Insects and Climate Change

Most people would say “yuck” to the idea of eating insects. However, insects can be an excellent source of sustainable and nutritious proteins. Here are five reasons why insects are remarkable alternative sources of protein, which can significantly reduce our carbon footprint.

First, edible insects can produce equivalent amounts of quality protein when compared to animals. A recent study showed that insects offer between 9.96 and 35.2 grams of protein per 100 grams, compared to between 16.8 and 20.6 grams for meat. Crickets, certain ant species, and mealworms are known to be protein and calorie-dense stars. The easiest way to eat insects would be to replace your typical protein supplement powder with cricket protein powder.

Second, insects require fewer resources (less land, less feed, less water, less transport fuel, and less human labor) than animal livestock while processing a much smaller carbon footprint. Plants do not produce greenhouse gases, but they require machinery use, water use, manufacturing, processing, and transportation, etc. – all of which carbon is emitted.

Third, we are running out of protein. By 2050, the Earth's population is presumed to be 10 billion and the demand for protein will exceed our ability to procure it. For our survival, it is necessary to increase our food output and decrease our carbon emissions at the same time.

Fourth, insects can be part of a virtuous eco-cycle. For example, feeding insects such as spent grains from brewery operations; thus, preventing additional waste from going into landfills. This provides added value to the brewery and feed for the insects. This is called circular agriculture, diverting materials from landfills that produce 20% of the global anthropogenic methane emission and are the second highest producer of greenhouse gas.

Last, if you are not convinced to eat insects, you can purchase animal proteins that have been fed on insects. The feed that is used in raising these animals has a substantial environmental impact. Another great way is switching to pet food that contains insect protein. I suggest you not be afraid to try. You may actually like it if you take that step. Think about how you can help to reduce your carbon footprint in food consumption.