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Sustainability

Animal Welfare & Climate Change

Climate change is a major global concern that has direct and indirect consequences on animal welfare at different levels and contexts. 

The frequency and magnitude of extreme weather events, like increased temperatures, intensity of heat waves, changes in precipitation patterns, desertification (which brings water and food scarcity), causes suffering to millions of animals and communities across the world. 

The livestock supply chain generates around 14.5% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions (FAO, 2017). Factory farming is a common form of modern animal food production. It encourages intensification by using high input models which confine large numbers of animals in small areas. This form of production has a detrimental impact on animal welfare and on the environment.

By assessing and including animal’s needs, agriculture and livestock keeping can help the transition towards more sustainable and regenerative approaches, which in turn can help to tackle this very complex issue in a holistic, locally applicable and inclusive way.


Nicola Lacetera 

This scientific article explains and describes the different ways climate change impacts on animal health and wellbeing. 
doi.org/10.1093/af/vfy030


Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

The specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger provides different resources about the topic of animal production and environment.
www.fao.org/livestock-environment/en

This brochure advocates on how improving animal health (thus welfare) should be a part of strategies aimed at ending on hunger and poverty in a climate change context.
openknowledge.fao.org/items/78394225-605b-4673-8380-5132cd4a143a

The FAO discusses at GFFA 2018 how to shape the future of livestock in a sustainable way.
www.fao.org/3/ca8946en/CA8946EN.pdf

Analysis of the impact of livestock production efficiency on reducing emissions in climate change mitigation solutions.
www.fao.org/3/i8098e/i8098e.pdf


World Animal Protection

In this report, the worldwide leading advocacy organization for the protection of animals addresses the topic of industrial farming and its impact on welfare and climate change. 
www.worldanimalprotection.org/our-campaigns/food-systems/factory-farming/animal-feed-trade/climate-change-causes/


Humane Society International

Leading global organization working at different levels to improve animal welfare worldwide provides resources on animal agriculture and climate change. 
www.hsi.org/news-resources/factory_farming_and_climate/