Creating a sustainable and fair global food system that works for animals, people, and the planet will require dramatic changes in the way we produce and consume food, particularly in countries with high meat and dairy consumption.

There are three key changes that need to take place to ensure the future of our planet.

Rethinking the way we produce and consume protein.
Shifting towards regenerative welfare-friendly farming.
Allowing nature to recover in designated areas through rewilding and planting.

Why now?

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, with its likely link to a market selling wild animals in Wuhan, China, has shown us the inextricable links between the wellbeing of animals, people, and the planet. It powerfully highlighted there is ‘one health, one welfare’, and protecting people means protecting animals too.

In this age of health, climate and biodiversity emergencies, ending the cruel factory farming system which strips our planet of its precious resources is vital to save our world.

Global solutions for future generations

We will be unable to avert a climate catastrophe without an urgent and dramatic reduction in meat and dairy consumption and increasing our consumption of ‘alternative proteins’.

Shift to nature-friendly, regenerative farming

A shift towards nature-positive farming with animals reared to higher welfare standards is also essential if we are to meet climate targets. Climate Doom Loop is a report showing factory farming's toll on animals, farmers, and food. Working in harmony with nature supports and harnesses natural processes by producing food whilst also enhancing soil health and restoring biodiversity. It will also undo some of the damage caused by intensive agriculture through chemical pesticide and synthetic fertiliser use. Investment in alternative proteins, that are plant-based, fermented or cultured, will support this.

Rewilding

Planting and rewilding on less productive land will play an important part in helping to restore our earth and wildlife. Marginal lands can be reforested, and habitats restored through the collective actions of farmers. Moving free-ranging animals around the land in rotation with crop growing will help replenish our depleted soils.

Together, these actions will ensure that we create a healthy, fair, and sustainable food system that’s fit for future generations.

Global food system transformation

Through high-level UN summits and conferences, Compassion’s expert teams advocate for our global food system’s transformation. Food’s central role in the success of addressing health, climate and biodiversity challenges must be recognised. This will set us on a course towards healthier food systems, without factory farming and the over-reliance on animal-based diets.