Is it ethical to keep the meat industry going to prevent food deserts from getting worse

The meat industry is one of the leading causes of not only CO2 gases into the atmosphere, but also has received much pushback from animal rights activists. More and more people are becoming vegetarian or vegan per generation, so support for deconstructed of the meat industry continues to rise. However as of now with nearly 30% of the global population (2.3 billion people) are facing food insecurity and 2.8 billion people, or 35% of the global population, cannot afford a healthy diet. There is speculation if the world is not ready to get rid of the meat industry. The conversation becomes more complex when considering the role the meat industry plays in food accessibility and economic stability, particularly in lower-income or rural areas. In many regions, meat remains one of the most calorie- and protein-dense foods that can be stored, transported, and consumed relatively easily. It is often more accessible than fresh produce in areas where food deserts persist. Dismantling the meat industry too quickly could leave vulnerable populations with even fewer affordable options, increasing reliance on ultra-processed alternatives that offer poor nutritional value. Furthermore, millions of people worldwide depend on the meat industry for their livelihood, from farming to distribution. While there is an urgent need to shift toward more sustainable and ethical food systems, the transition must be carefully managed.