The UN special envoy on food has condemned the diversion of 100 million tons of grain and corn to ethanol production as a "crime against humanity," especially considering that nearly a billion people are starving. This raises an important question about the ethics of animal agriculture, which consumes a staggering 756 million tons of grain and corn annually. This amount could easily feed the 1.4 billion individuals living in extreme poverty. Such a diversion of resources highlights the inefficiencies in our food systems.

Moreover, it's essential to consider that the 756 million tons of grain used for livestock does not even account for the soy crop, of which 98 percent—amounting to 225 million tons—is also allocated to feeding farmed animals. This system not only contributes to global hunger but also drives up food prices, disproportionately affecting the world's poorest populations. Jonathan Safran Foer’s book "Eating Animals" discusses these critical issues and encourages a re-evaluation of our agricultural practices to promote food equity.