NEW YORK— The Center for Biological Diversity and World Animal Protection will unveil a white paper titled The Just Transition from Industrial Animal Production to Equitable, Humane and Sustainable Food Systems to a U.S. audience at a panel during Food Day at NYC Climate Week. The paper, coproduced with more than 50 contributors, makes an urgent case for phasing out of industrial animal agriculture and outlines a global roadmap for shifting to a humane, sustainable and equitable food system.

“There’s a growing movement uniting against industrial animal agriculture’s exploitation of workers, animals and the environment,” said Stephanie Feldstein, population and sustainability director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “This roadmap provides direction on stopping the global food system from driving us toward climate catastrophe.”

“Industrial animal agriculture is exacting a heavy toll on animals, ecosystems, our health, and our communities. It is a system that profits from the exploitation of billions of animals, millions of workers, and our limited natural resources,” said Cameron Harsh, US director of programs at World Animal Protection. “Its only beneficiaries are the immensely powerful meat, seafood, and dairy companies who wield incredible influence over political processes. We must put ourselves on a clear pathway away from factory farming before it’s too late.”

What: U.S. launch of the white paper The Just Transition from Industrial Animal Production to Equitable, Humane and Sustainable Food Systems.

When: Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Climate Week NYC. Pier Sixty, Pier 60 Chelsea Piers, New York, NY 10011 (breakout room 1).

Who: World Animal Protection U.S., World Animal Protection Brazil, Brighter Green, ActionAid USA and Tailored Food.

Sign up here to attend the panel.

Background

Industrial animal agriculture is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, a leading driver of climate change, habitat loss, water pollution and pesticide use, and a tremendous source of animal suffering. Food production contributes about one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, and pollution from industrial agriculture harms the most vulnerable communities.

The Just Transition white paper and roadmap represents a shared vision for transformation away from industrial agriculture. More than 120 individuals representing 72 organizations in 35 countries provided feedback in developing the paper. It comes at a time when experts agree that global emissions from animal production must decline by 50% by 2030 to meet the targets of the Paris Agreement.