Animal Welfare and Climate Change: Connected Crises

Climate change and animal welfare are deeply connected crises. Understanding their intersection helps advocates address both simultaneously and build broader coalitions for change.

Key Facts

Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of heat stress events in farmed animals globally
A 1 degree Celsius increase in temperature increases heat stress mortality risk in poultry by up to 14%
Wild species are experiencing range shifts, reproductive timing mismatches and habitat loss from climate change
Factory farming contributes 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions according to FAO estimates
Plant-based diets reduce individual food system greenhouse gas footprints by 50-73%
Climate adaptation in animal agriculture includes heat-tolerant breeds and improved shade and ventilation
The intersection of animal welfare and environmental advocacy creates powerful opportunities for coalition building

Welfare Considerations

Climate change and animal welfare are mutually reinforcing crises with shared solutions. Climate change imposes direct welfare harm on billions of animals: heat stress in farmed animals causes suffering and death; shifting seasons cause reproductive failure in wildlife; extreme weather events cause mass casualties. Simultaneously, intensive animal agriculture is a major driver of the climate change causing these welfare harms, creating a feedback loop. The most effective single dietary shift for both climate and animal welfare is reducing consumption of animal products, particularly beef and dairy. Advocates who frame animal welfare and climate justice as connected rather than competing priorities can build broader, more durable coalitions for change. Policy solutions including carbon pricing for livestock emissions and subsidy reform for plant-based protein can advance both goals simultaneously.

What You Can Do

Reduce animal product consumption, particularly beef and dairy, for combined climate and welfare benefit
Support organisations working at the intersection of animal welfare and environmental advocacy
Advocate for agricultural subsidy reform that supports plant-based and alternative protein production
Engage with climate advocacy groups about the animal welfare dimensions of food system change
Choose climate-positive dietary patterns and explain the welfare co-benefits to your networks