The Future of Meat: Technology, Sustainability and the Meats of Tomorrow

The Future of Meat: Technology, Sustainability and the Meats of Tomorrow

Author: Commonwealth Club of California August 20, 2026 Duration: 1:01:23
For centuries, meat has been a cornerstone of cuisines and cultures around the world. Yet as global demand continues to rise, questions about sustainability, food security, human health, animal welfare and the environmental impact of food production have become increasingly urgent. In his new book, Meat, which will be available to purchase, Bruce Friedrich explores a provocative question: How can we continue to satisfy humanity’s appetite for meat while addressing the challenges facing our food system? As founder and president of The Good Food Institute, Friedrich has become one of the leading voices in the development of alternative proteins, including plant-based foods, precision fermentation, and cultivated meat. Join us for a timely conversation about the future of food. We will explore the technologies transforming protein production, the opportunities and challenges facing alternative proteins, and the broader questions surrounding nutrition, sustainability, consumer acceptance, and the role of innovation in feeding a growing global population. Whether you are enthusiastic, skeptical or simply curious, this discussion offers an opportunity to examine one of the most important—and controversial—food conversations of our time. About the Speaker Bruce Friedrich is founder & president of the Good Food Institute and author of the new book Meat, which Publishers Weekly selected as a top 10 new release in science and Nature featured Meat as one of its five "best science picks.” The book has earned endorsements from Nobel Laureate in economics Michael Kremer, primatologist Jane Goodall, The Ministry for the Future author Kim Stanley Robinson, bioethicist Peter Singer, SpaceX board member Steve Jurvetson, and others. A Nutrition, Food & Wellness Member-led Forum program. Forums at the Club are organized and run by volunteer programmers who are members of The Commonwealth Club, and they cover a diverse range of topics. Learn more about our Forums. Organizer: Patty James  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For nearly a century, the Commonwealth Club of California Podcast has served as a vital platform for civic dialogue, directly from the nation's largest public affairs forum. Each episode captures live, thoughtful conversations with leading voices from across the political spectrum and various fields, all committed to exploring the most pressing issues of our time. As a nonpartisan and nonprofit operation, the Club’s priority is substance over soundbite, fostering a depth of discussion that is increasingly rare. You’ll hear authors, policymakers, scientists, and cultural figures engage in nuanced debates and detailed analyses, reflecting a genuine diversity of perspectives. This isn't just a recording of events; it's an ongoing, accessible chronicle of American and global thought. The audio you find in this podcast feed originates from the longest-running weekly radio broadcast of its kind in the United States, a tradition started in 1924, now shared with a modern audience. Updated frequently throughout the week, the feed ensures you have direct access to a forum where complex ideas about government, society, and current events are given the time and respect they deserve. Tune in for a consistently enlightening experience that challenges assumptions and provides context far beyond the daily headlines.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Commonwealth Club of California Podcast
Podcast Episodes
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Duration: 59:14
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Duration: 1:11:32
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