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It emerged this week that scientists in South Korea have created a new kind of \u201cmeaty\u201d rice, with high levels of protein.\xa0 The grains are packed with beef muscle and fat cells \u2013 all grown in a lab.\xa0 It\u2019s just the latest of many meat-alternatives that are helping people to eat less meat.\xa0 Supermarkets are responding to public demand by offering an ever wider choice of plant-based foods.\xa0 But while we might not need to eat meat, most of us really enjoy it.

The goal posts are shifting in the age old debate about the morality of meat.\xa0 Whatever you think about the industrial breeding of animals, to be slaughtered and served up for our pleasure, there\u2019s now another compelling argument for us to stop, or at least cut back \u2013 meat production significantly contributes to climate change.\xa0

In the last decade, the number of vegans in the UK has increased steeply, but it\u2019s still small. Estimates vary between about 2% and 3% of the population.\xa0 Many more are vegetarian, who avoid meat and fish, but eat dairy.\xa0 There are also flexitarians, who mainly choose a plant-based diet, but do occasionally eat meat.\xa0\xa0

A moral argument that was once focused on whether humans have the right to exploit animals has become a broader debate that includes protecting the planet for future generations.\xa0 Some say it\u2019s natural for humans to eat meat, indeed we have evolved to do so.\xa0 Others think it\u2019s barbaric and the effects of the meat and dairy industry on the climate have made the argument for veganism overwhelming.\xa0 \xa0What\u2019s the moral case for veganism?

Presenter: Michael Buerk\nProducer: Jonathan Hallewell\nAssistant Producer: Ruth Purser\nEditor: Tim Pemberton