The global climate discussions, known as COP28, took place at the end of 2023, with world leaders gathering in Dubai. Although many feel that the meetings fell short of an agreement that would mitigate the worst effects of climate change (the International Energy Agency concluded that current pledges would not allow the world to meet the stated goal of remaining within a 1.5˚ C temperature rise¹), there is still some reason to celebrate. For the first time, discussions included talk of global food systems, with world leaders signing on to a declaration on resilient food systems, sustainable agriculture, and climate action.  This, in addition to the agreement to transition away from fossil fuels, gives reason for hope.

Globally, the livestock industry generates 16.5% of our total global greenhouse gas emissions. It is the second-highest source of emissions and amounts to more than the entire transport sector - all of the world’s cars, trucks, ships and airplanes combined².

On top of that, animal agriculture is the leading contributor to biodiversity loss, acid rain, coral reef degeneration, deforestation, and water pollution³.

Currently, animals are bred to fit the needs of a broken system that prioritizes profit over climate concerns and subjects sentient beings to chronic stress, fear and pain. A model based on positive animal welfare interventions is urgently needed. Most importantly, fewer farm animals overall would mean fewer emissions and more space for the remaining animals to perform their natural behaviors. Permanent access to extensive pastures and limiting herd sizes are some of the measures that can directly improve the lives of 80 billion farm animals every year and mitigate and adapt to climate change.

To save the climate, we have to reduce our consumption of meat and finally end factory farming.

*NDCs are Nationally Determined Contributions, a climate action plan to cut emissions, which each country must establish and update every 5 years. 

Practice the 3 R’s Principle:

To take action, FOUR PAWS recommends the 3 R’s principle. That is to: Reduce the number of animal products that are consumed as much as possible, Refine the selection of animal products that are consumed to the most sustainable and cruelty-free option on offer and to Replace as many animal products as possible with tasty, cruelty-free and climate-friendly alternatives.

Eat a climate-friendly diet:

A climate-friendly diet is one which has the least impact on our animals and the environment. On average, the production of meat and other animal-based products have a much greater carbon footprint than plant-based alternatives. Therefore, a climate-friendly diet includes choosing more plant-based, and whenever possible, regional and seasonal oriented diet, which automatically contributes the reduction of meat and other animal-based products being consumed. 

More and more people around the world are interested in animal welfare labels and the demand for plant-based meat-alternatives is skyrocketing. This is a global movement that can change our world for the better — with your help!

Advocate for laws that center sustainability and animal welfare: 

There are several bills currently before our US Congress relating to farm animals which could improve the lives of farm animals while increasing sustainable farming practices, and there are several bills before Congress that could greatly harm animals and contribute to further climate change.

Call or email your two Senators and House Representative and tell them you support the passage of these common sense bills for animals and oppose bills that would harm animals and the environment. Be sure to tell them the name of the bill and bill number you are calling about. Look up your elected officials.