Welfare Science

Animal Welfare in the 21st Century

The trajectory of animal welfare improvement in the 21st century depends on technological advances, policy reform, and shifting consumer values working together.

Key Facts

Alternative protein technology could eliminate the need for most animal agriculture by mid-century
Precision fermentation is already producing animal proteins including casein without livestock
Welfare legislation is tightening progressively in high-income countries
Public concern for animal welfare is at historic highs and continuing to grow
AI-enabled welfare monitoring makes continuous welfare assessment increasingly feasible

Welfare Considerations

The 21st century offers unprecedented opportunities for animal welfare improvement through technology, policy, and cultural change. Whether these opportunities are realised depends on sustained advocacy, research investment, and collective commitment to taking animal suffering seriously as a moral priority.

What You Can Do

Engage with emerging technologies that could transform the scale of animal welfare
Support policy reform organisations working on systemic welfare improvement
Maintain commitment to animal welfare as a moral priority across your consumer, civic, and political actions