Welfare Science

Farm Animal Welfare and Climate Change Synergies

Climate change threatens farm animal welfare through heat stress, disease spread and extreme weather events. Simultaneously, lower-density, higher welfare systems tend to have lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Key Facts

Dairy cow heat stress costs the US industry over 900 million dollars annually in lost production
Higher welfare pig and poultry systems tend to have lower stocking densities reducing carbon intensity
Extensive grazing systems can sequester soil carbon while providing better welfare
Climate-smart agriculture increasingly recognises welfare co-benefits

Welfare Considerations

The welfare-climate nexus offers an important advocacy opportunity. Higher welfare systems frequently align with lower-impact production, making welfare investment compatible with climate commitments. This convergence can attract broader political and commercial support.

What You Can Do

Support climate-smart farming initiatives that integrate welfare standards
Advocate for farm carbon accounting that rewards welfare-friendly lower-density systems
Choose animal products from extensive, lower-carbon systems where available