Food Systems

Animal Agriculture, Climate, and Animal Welfare Links

Animal agriculture contributes substantially to climate change, which in turn creates new welfare challenges for both farmed and wild animals.

Key Facts

Animal agriculture produces 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions
Tropical deforestation for soy and cattle displaces wildlife causing habitat loss
Climate-driven extreme weather events increase mortality in farmed animals
Plant-based protein transitions would reduce both emissions and animal use simultaneously

Welfare Considerations

The link between animal agriculture, climate change, and animal welfare is bidirectional. Animal farming drives emissions that cause climate change, which creates new welfare harms for wild animals through habitat disruption, extreme weather, and disease. Reducing animal agriculture production is both a climate and a welfare intervention simultaneously, creating aligned incentives for change.

What You Can Do

Reduce meat and dairy consumption as both a climate and welfare action
Support plant-based protein alternatives reducing both emissions and animal use
Advocate for climate-informed food system transformation policies
Engage with the nexus of climate, food systems, and animal welfare in your advocacy