Bel©m: World Animal Protection (WAP) has officially launched a campaign advocating for a just transition away from industrial animal agriculture. During a webinar today, the organization announced its active participation in the upcoming 30th Conference of the Parties (COP 30) in Bel©m, Brazil, where it will be calling for urgent action to reform global food systems in alignment with climate, biodiversity, and human rights goals.
According to Kenya News Agency, the new campaign presents a compelling case for phasing out industrial factory farming and transitioning to equitable, humane, and sustainable food systems. The External Affairs Lead at World Animal Protection, Sally Kahiu, stated the move was essential to meeting international climate commitments, including the Paris Agreement, and safeguarding public health and planetary boundaries.
Kahiu highlighted the detrimental impacts of the current global food system, particularly industrial animal agriculture, which accelerates biodiversity loss, depletes water resources, and contributes to rural poverty and public health crises. Additionally, it compromises animal welfare on a massive scale. She emphasized the need for world leaders at COP 30 to recognize the urgent necessity for a global food system prioritizing people, animals, and the planet over profit.
Based on previous research, World Animal Protection underscores that food system emissions alone could jeopardize efforts to remain below the critical 1.5°C warming target, even if fossil fuel use is eliminated. The organization calls for a 50% reduction in global emissions from animal production by 2030, advocating a shift toward plant-rich diets and agro-ecological practices, particularly in high-consuming and high-producing countries.
The expansion of industrial animal agriculture has led to poor living conditions for billions of animals and increased risks of zoonotic disease outbreaks. The overuse of antibiotics has also contributed to antimicrobial resistance. Furthermore, the destruction of natural habitats for agricultural expansion threatens wild animal populations, driving species to the brink of extinction and destabilizing ecosystems.
World Animal Protection's campaign emphasizes phasing out industrial animal farming in favor of small- and medium-scale diversified farms while protecting and empowering smallholder farmers and marginalized communities. It calls for accountability for corporations causing social and environmental harm and advocates for inclusive governance and an indigenous rights-based approach to food and climate policy.
According to WAP, the organization will continue to mobilize public support and collaborate with allies across civil society, indigenous groups, youth, and sustainable farming networks in the lead-up to COP 30 in Bel©m, Brazil, to advocate for a just transition. WAP remains a global advocate for animal welfare, working towards ending factory farming and creating a humane and sustainable food system prioritizing animals.
Brazil will host COP 30 in November 2025 in Bel©m, a key event for global climate negotiations, marking the 20th anniversary of the Kyoto Protocol and the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement.