Comfortably Unaware by Dr. Richard Oppenlander

INTRODUCTION
    In the two-year period of time that was required to write this book and have it published, there has been an increase in attention—at least in some developed countries, such as the U.S.—given to the plight of our environment. Although known for decades by some, the effect on our planet of our choice of food as it involves livestock has finally made mainstream media headlines. Since 2007, a few authors have written books that begin to make the connection between the industrialization of foods and some—but certainly not all—of the effects on our planet. Because of this, I feel
Comfortably Unaware
will be read by two distinct audiences:
    One audience will have kept abreast of the news, read the books or heard the authors, and acquired a base of understanding about this connection, but their knowledge needs to reach another level of accuracy and comprehension, with unique perspectives, which
Comfortably Unaware
will provide for them. Until now, they have heard only a story that is incomplete and, at times, inaccurate.
    The second audience will be those who are vaguely (or not at all) aware of the connection of food choice and its effect on our planet—and there are many, many individuals in this category. For this group, every chapter will be enlightening.
    If you are a reader in the first group, however, I would suggest that your focus as you read should be on having been afforded another level of awareness beyond what you have been exposed to by other authors or various media. For example, it is not justthe excessive use of fossil fuel or contribution to global warming that should concern us with regard to raising livestock. Instead, we should be concerned about
all
the effects. It also is simply
not
sustainable for us to continue to eat animals, even if they are grass-fed. This is particularly true on a global food production scale. Additionally, we need to be aware of our oceans and the fishing industry as that affects global depletion. The impact of our food choices is not just a land-based issue. Our water supply is severely affected by our food choices as well, as is world hunger.
    We are witnessing what could only be considered the sixth era of extinction on our planet because of an accelerated loss of biodiversity. The leading cause of this massive loss of plants, insects, and animals is our current choice of animal products as food. And regardless of whether the animals you eat are grass- or grain-fed, it is not sustainable for your own long-term health to eat them.
    Most important, though, is the way in which this information is disseminated and ultimately used (or not used) to develop global strategies.
Comfortably Unaware
will provide you with information regarding
all
the areas of sustainability affected by eating animals and how various decision-making organizations are, in many instances, mismanaging it. Those of you who already feel somewhat enlightened may have recently been exposed to the information you’ll find in the first few chapters, but your journey through the rest of this book will provide you with a new level of understanding, new perspectives, and new solutions. And, regardless of which group you may fit into as a reader, once you have fully read
Comfortably Unaware
, all the dots should be connected for you about this evolving and immensely crucial topic.
    Once in a while, a story comes along that needs to be told. More infrequently, a story comes along that needs to be
heard
. This is one of those stories—except that this is not just a story.
It is very real
, and it affects all of us on earth. A number of individuals and large businesses and organizations would rather this story not be told; much of the public most likely does not want to hear it.
Comfortably Unaware
, however, reveals the truth about what we eat and what it is doing to us—and to the sustainability of our planet. It is not just another book about food.
Comfortably Unaware
is about