On a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk and Joe Rogan dismissed the widely circulated notion that animal agriculture is a leading contributor to global warming. In their characteristically unfiltered style, the duo criticized what they referred to as "propaganda" surrounding the environmental impact of meat consumption and animal farming.

"It’s Rubbish. Hot Bullsh*t."

The conversation began with Rogan addressing the stigma around the carnivore diet and the narrative that animal agriculture is a primary driver of climate change. “There’s a lot of propaganda out there that animal agriculture is the number one contributor to global warming,” Rogan said.

Musk responded with characteristic bluntness. “Yeah. It’s rubbish,” he said. “Bullsh*t. It’s hot bullsh*t. It doesn’t matter.”

Rogan agreed, going further to state that regenerative farming practices could actually have a neutral or even positive impact on carbon emissions. “The real problem is factory farming,” he argued. “Regenerative farming is carbon neutral, if not a carbon sequester.”

Musk doubled down, asserting that the contribution of animals to global warming is negligible. “The animals are not going to make any difference to global warming. Like none. Zero. It’s zero. It’s nothing.”

Criticism of Plant-Based Agendas

The conversation shifted to the motivations behind the push for plant-based diets and alternative meats, with Rogan suggesting that some advocates may have financial or ideological interests in the narrative.

“Do you see people that have a vested interest in plant-based meat products and things along those lines?” Rogan asked.

Musk acknowledged this possibility. “I think it’s part of it,” he said. “Maybe they’ve got a financial interest, maybe they’re vegetarians or vegans for ideological reasons. But it’s not going to make any difference to global warming or the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere, really, if people eat pure steaks. It doesn’t matter. It’s irrelevant.”

He continued to emphasize his point, calling the connection between meat consumption and climate change “irrelevant.” “I want to just be super clear about that. It will not matter. You will not even be able to measure it. Okay? That’s how irrelevant it is,” Musk stated.

A Focus on Regenerative Farming

While Musk and Rogan dismissed claims against animal agriculture, they acknowledged the problems with factory farming. Rogan pointed out that regenerative farming—a method focusing on soil health and carbon sequestration—can mitigate environmental harm and potentially improve ecosystems.

This acknowledgment aligns with studies that have highlighted the potential for regenerative practices to draw down atmospheric carbon and restore degraded land. Unlike factory farming, which often results in significant methane emissions and environmental degradation, regenerative approaches aim to create a closed-loop system that benefits the planet.

Broader Implications

The conversation underscores the growing debate around food systems, environmental policy, and the role of agriculture in climate change. Critics argue that the environmental impact of animal farming, including methane emissions and deforestation, remains significant. However, proponents of regenerative agriculture point to its potential to neutralize or even reverse these effects.

Musk and Rogan’s views challenge the mainstream narrative, focusing instead on systemic solutions like energy transition and large-scale industrial reforms rather than consumer-level dietary changes.

Polarizing Opinions in Climate Discourse

As influential voices, Musk and Rogan’s opinions are likely to spark further debate in both environmental and dietary circles. Their blunt dismissal of the environmental arguments against meat consumption could resonate with some, particularly those skeptical of plant-based agendas, but it is also likely to draw criticism from climate activists and environmental organizations advocating for reduced meat consumption.

For now, their message is clear: focus on the bigger picture. “The animals are not going to make any difference to global warming,” Musk reiterated. “Let’s stop pretending they will.”