Global Animal Welfare: The Next Decade

The coming decade will be critical for global animal welfare progress, with multiple converging forces creating both opportunities and risks for billions of animals.

Key Facts

Global meat consumption is projected to grow significantly in developing countries
Alternative proteins including plant-based and cultured meat are scaling rapidly
International welfare standards through WOAH are being strengthened
Climate change is disrupting animal welfare conditions across ecosystems
Growing youth concern for animal welfare is reshaping consumer markets globally

Welfare Considerations

The next decade presents both the greatest threats and the greatest opportunities for animal welfare in human history. Growing animal product consumption in developing countries could dwarf current welfare concerns if not accompanied by welfare standard development. Simultaneously, technological innovation and shifting consumer values offer pathways to substantial reduction in animal use and improvement in welfare for animals that remain in production systems. Active engagement by advocates, researchers, and policymakers will determine which trajectory prevails.

What You Can Do

Engage with international animal welfare policy development at WOAH and UN level
Support organisations working on welfare in rapidly developing markets
Reduce animal product consumption to reduce total animal welfare burden
Support technological innovation that reduces animal use
Stay engaged with animal welfare science and policy through the critical decade ahead