New international analysis finds livestock production responsible for over half of present-day global warming when full environmental impacts are counted.
A major international study has warned that industrialized animal farming poses one of the most serious—and most overlooked—threats to global climate and biodiversity targets. Published in the journal Animals, the analysis titled “The Missing Target: Why Industrialized Animal Farming Must Be at the Core of the Climate Agenda” reviews evidence from 47 global studies, concluding that meeting international climate goals will be impossible without drastically reducing livestock production.
The study highlights that livestock farming contributes an estimated 12–20% of global greenhouse gas emissions annually, with the highest-quality assessments suggesting even greater climate impacts. When modern accounting methods are applied—including the effects of deforestation, bottom trawling, land-use change, and the reduced cooling effect from certain atmospheric pollutants—animal agriculture is linked to 52% of present-day global warming.
Researchers note that animal farming occupies more than 80% of global agricultural land while supplying only 18% of total calories and 37% of protein consumed worldwide. This imbalance, combined with growing demand for animal products in rapidly developing regions, threatens to intensify emissions and strain natural resources.
Environmental impacts extend far beyond emissions. According to the study, livestock systems generate half of all eutrophication, nearly one-third of soil acidification, and significantly higher biodiversity losses—up to four times greater—than predominantly plant-based diets.
The authors argue that transitioning toward plant-forward diets would substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate deforestation, restore ecosystems, and ease pressure on global water supplies. They stress that global climate frameworks, including national climate plans and negotiations under the Paris Agreement, must integrate concrete targets to reduce both production and consumption of animal-based foods.
However, the report emphasizes that solutions must be fair and region-specific. In developing economies, policy shifts must align with food security needs, cultural diets, and sustainable livelihoods for farmers.
Lead author Jenny Mace said the findings underscore an urgent need for action:
“The time is long overdue for greater attention on animal agriculture at key climate and environmental policy-making events such as COP30. Achieving climate and sustainability targets will be incredibly difficult without a significant downsizing of animal agriculture.”
Co-author Professor Andrew Knight added that placing food system reform—particularly reduced reliance on animal-based products—at the center of global climate action could unlock major benefits for both people and the planet.
Fernanda Vieira of Sinergia Animal warned that ignoring industrial-scale farming’s role in biodiversity loss, deforestation, climate change, and emerging zoonotic diseases will undermine progress on climate and public health goals.
