Farm Animals

Pig Welfare and Climate Change

Climate change creates new welfare challenges for pigs through heat stress, disease pressure, and feed supply disruption.

Key Facts

Heat stress in pigs is projected to increase significantly under 2 and 4 degree warming scenarios
Feed crop failures from climate extremes increase nutritional stress in poorly managed herds
New disease vectors will introduce pathogens to previously unexposed pig populations
Extreme weather events including flooding can cause acute welfare crises in housed systems
Climate-smart pig farming including shade, ventilation, and heat-tolerant breeds reduces adaptation costs

Welfare Considerations

Climate change will create new and exacerbated welfare challenges for pigs globally. Proactive adaptation including improved housing, heat management, and resilient genetics reduces future welfare costs.

What You Can Do

Support farms investing in climate adaptation measures including improved ventilation and shade
Advocate for pig welfare standards that require climate adaptation planning
Choose pork from farms demonstrating proactive climate change adaptation