Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said rich countries like the United States should move to “synthetic beef” to address the global protein problem.

The co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and chair of the investment fund Breakthrough Energy Ventures made the comment during a discussion about his new book “How To Avoid a Climate Disaster,” Technology Review reported.

The book discusses how technology can be used to slash emissions in “hard to solve” sectors like agriculture.

“In terms of livestock, it’s very difficult. There are all the things where they feed them different food, like there’s this one compound that gives you a 20 percent reduction [in methane emissions],” Gates said.

“But sadly, those bacteria [in their digestive system that produce methane] are a necessary part of breaking down the grass.”

He added, “And so I don’t know if there’ll be some natural approach there. I’m afraid the synthetic [protein alternatives like plant-based burgers] will be required for at least the beef thing.”

The Food and Agricultural Organization predicted a global shortage of protein-rich foods worldwide in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, which could exacerbate health problems.

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