COP29: Advocating for Farmed Animals in Climate Policy and for a #JustTransition!

The FOUR PAWS team is amplifying the voices of billions of farmed animals in global climate discussions! This Saturday, we hosted impactful sessions spotlighting the role of factory farming in the #ClimateCrisis at the Action On Food Hub.  

🐖 Factory Farming: a risk to climate, biodiversity and welfare 

The first panel highlighted that intensive farming systems of pigs and poultry are responsible for land use changes for animal feed, antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic diseases and other public health risks as well as horrific animal welfare concerns. 🦠

Our colleague Clara Schubert moderated the discussion based on our brief, “Feeding False Alternatives”, with an exceptional panel of speakers including:  

• Cristina Romanelli from World Health Organization,

• Sieglinde Snapp from CGIAR,  

• Debnath Nitish from Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (CVASU),  

• Bernard Kimoro from Kenya’s Department of Livestock,  

• and Irish Baguilat from Asian Farmers' Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA).

🌱 Shifting Towards Nature-Positive Farming and Responsible Consumption

In collaboration with Compassion in World Farming, we held a meaningful discussion with global experts. The panel explored the nexus between soil health, climate and agriculture, with a focus on reducing animal-sourced food consumption, especially in the Global North, to lower #GHG emissions. 

Key highlights included:  

• Dr. Dipayan Dey’s keynote address on the impact of how industrial animal agriculture is driven by overproduction and overconsumption,  

• Lasse B. moderated the discussion on the transition to agroecological farming practices, 

• Todd A. Crane from International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) discussing adaptation opportunities for farmers, 

• and complimented by hearing from BALIRAINE HAKIM from ESAFF Headquarters on the many benefits of agroecology. 

Building on case studies in the "Sustaining our Soils Report”, Lamine DIATTA provided insights from pastoralism in Senegal emphasising the benefits of herd movement for soil health. Additionally, FOUR PAWS’ Carolina Nagib Nascimento shared insights on integrated crop-livestock systems in Brazil, highlighting why these systems not only promote animal welfare, but also advance climate mitigation and adaptation. 

In his closing words, Martial Bernoux from the FAO closed with a powerful reminder to reduce intensive farming and support traditional, nature-aligned practices.

♻️ Interactive Workshop: Shaping a Sustainable Food Systems Future   

Our final event of the day was a workshop that focused on creating a shared vision for transforming global food systems.

Tamsin Blaxter from TABLE opened with an overview of the climate impacts of today’s food systems, followed by case studies from Aline Baroni on Brazil, and Rune-Christoffer Dragsdahl on Denmark. 🌎 We are grateful for the insights received from ProVeg International, Changing Markets Foundation, Compassion in World Farming, and World Animal Protection.

Our Major Takeaways from These Events...

To drive positive change, we must: 

1. Reduce intensive animal farming 

2. Increase access to plant-based foods 

3. Elevate global animal welfare standards

These steps will yield multiple benefits including reduced GHG emissions, greater biodiversity, more responsible land use, and minimized public health risks like antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic diseases.

However, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, especially as different countries have different carbon footprints. That’s why it was inspiring to see such a diverse group of experts collaborate to chart a fair and just transition for our global food systems.

Thank you to all speakers and hosts for their expertise and dedication! FOUR PAWS looks forward to working with you and policymakers within our local contexts to ensure we all benefit from improving animal welfare and transitioning away from factory farming.

#ParisAgreement #AnimalWelfare #EndFactoryFarming #Biodiversity #ClimateAction #FoodSystems #COP29