Farmed Animals

Climate Adaptation in Livestock Welfare Management

Adapting livestock management to a changing climate is an increasingly urgent welfare challenge for the farming sector.

Key Facts

Average UK temperatures have risen by approximately 1 degree Celsius since the 1980s
Extreme weather events including heat waves, floods, and droughts are increasing in frequency
Livestock breeds adapted to cooler climates are at increased risk of heat stress
Water security for livestock is threatened by drought in some regions
New disease vectors are extending their range as temperatures rise

Welfare Considerations

Climate change is already affecting livestock welfare through increased heat stress, novel disease challenges, and extreme weather events. Adaptation requires proactive planning including breed selection for heat tolerance, investment in cooling infrastructure, and improved water security. Welfare-conscious climate adaptation integrates individual animal needs with farm-level resilience planning.

What You Can Do

Support research into climate-resilient livestock breeds and management systems
Advocate for farm adaptation funding that includes welfare infrastructure investment
Raise awareness about climate welfare risks among livestock farmers and advisers
Choose food products from farming systems demonstrating climate adaptation and welfare improvement
Support development of climate welfare risk assessment tools for livestock farms