The article discusses the strong connection between animal protection and climate change, emphasizing the need for systemic change. It points out that intensive farming, which accounts for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions and ammonia emissions in the EU, is closely linked to the climate crisis. The article calls for a shift away from fossil fuels in animal farming and emphasizes the importance of addressing both animal welfare and climate change together through policy changes at the legislative level.
Furthermore, the article highlights the urgency of taking action to reduce animal suffering and address environmental impacts, especially as temperatures rise. It criticizes the recent EU Livestock Strategy for focusing on maintaining and strengthening livestock production rather than making the necessary systemic changes. The article concludes by calling on EU policy-makers to prioritize the intersection of animal welfare and climate change in upcoming legislation revisions to create more sustainable and welfare-friendly standards in the farming sector.