Science and Policy

Factory Farming and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Animal agriculture contributes significantly to climate change, creating a link between animal welfare and environmental action.

Key Facts

Livestock account for approximately 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions
Methane from cattle is 80x more potent than CO2 over a 20-year period
Reducing meat consumption is one of the highest-impact individual climate actions
Plant-based diets have 50-75% lower carbon footprints than omnivore diets

Welfare Considerations

The climate and animal welfare crises are deeply interconnected. Factory farming — the source of the greatest animal welfare abuses — is also a major driver of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. Addressing the factory farming system addresses both crises simultaneously. This convergence creates opportunities for broad coalitions between animal welfare and environmental advocates working toward shared goals.

What You Can Do

Reduce meat and dairy consumption — especially from intensive production
Support policies that price the environmental cost of animal agriculture
Advocate for climate targets that include agricultural emissions
Join organizations working at the intersection of food systems and environmental justice