In the quest to save the planet, CBS Saturday Morning has a suggestion: eat bugs. The idea comes as CBS simultaneously warns that soy-based proteins are destroying the planet.
Host Dana Jacobson kicked things off by declaring, “We all know how important insects are for the environment, but climate researchers say bugs could be a game changer in the fight to protect the planet. In ways you may not have imagined.”
Jacobson then introduced a video report from Tina Kraus, who reported, “Adding some insects to the mix is customary in the kitchen in some parts of the world. Now climate experts think the protein-packed pests could offer a real solution to the global food crisis. Scientists in Germany are not pushing to get the critters your plate, they see another benefit.”
An unnamed scientist then claimed that, “Our interest is to make insects as an alternative for the use of soybean derived proteins.”
Kraus then explained the purported problem with soybeans, “Large-scale growth of soybeans has been blamed for extensive deforestation since farming insects takes less land and water, these researchers believe bugs could become the livestock feed of the future.”
The scientist then returned to add, “To have a more sustainable production of proteins, we need this and I see insects as a perfect tool… And you can make so many things out of insects, and to make the world better.”
Kraus wrapped up the report by hyping “with insect farming booming around the world, researchers are busy as bees looking for more climate-friendly fixes.”
Back in studio, Jacobson added, “It's estimated up to 1.2 trillion insects are raised on farms each year as companies race to find a high-protein, low-carbon solution to feed animals and the world's population.”
Soy proteins are found in everything from breads to soups to breakfast cereals to pastas to chocolates and now CBS wants you to switch over to their insect-based variants without asking any questions and if the B-roll footage is anything to go by, CBS will soon advocate for straight up bug consumption as well.
This segment was sponsored by Ashley.
Here is a transcript for the May 13 show:
CBS Saturday Morning
5/13/2023
8:57 AM ET
DANA JACOBSON: We all know how important insects are for the environment, but climate researchers say bugs could be a game changer in the fight to protect the planet. In ways you may not have imagined. Tina Kraus has the story from London.
TINA KRAUS: Adding some insects to the mix is customary in the kitchen in some parts of the world. Now climate experts think the protein-packed pests could offer a real solution to the global food crisis. Scientists in Germany are not pushing to get the critters your plate, they see another benefit.
SCIENTIST: Our interest is to make insects as an alternative for the use of soybean derived proteins.
KRAUS: Large-scale growth of soybeans has been blamed for extensive deforestation since farming insects takes less land and water, these researchers believe bugs could become the livestock feed of the future.
SCIENTIST: To have a more sustainable production of proteins, we need this and I see insects as a perfect tool.
KRAUS: Experts developed a fungi that converts organic waste into a diet for these soldier flies.
SCIENTIST: And you can make so many things out of insects, and to make the world better.
KRAUS: And with insect farming booming around the world, researchers are busy as bees looking for more climate-friendly fixes. Tina Kraus, CBS News.
JACOBSON: It's estimated up to 1.2 trillion insects are raised on farms each year as companies race to find a high-protein, low-carbon solution to feed animals and the world's population. CBS Saturday Morning will be right back.
