Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, and addressing it requires a critical understanding of its key drivers. While fossil fuels, energy consumption, and industrial activities dominate the headlines, the role of food systems—particularly animal agriculture—often receives less attention.
The 2014 documentary "Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret" explores this issue, bringing to light the significant environmental impact of livestock production. The documentary has sparked debate due to some of its claims and methodologies. In this blog post, we’ll revisit the core points raised by "Cowspiracy," examine their factual basis, and explore how they relate to today’s climate crisis in a nuanced and accurate way.
Animal agriculture is a significant contributor to climate change, primarily due to its emissions of greenhouse gases like methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), livestock production accounts for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This figure includes emissions from feed production, manure management, enteric fermentation (methane produced during digestion in ruminants like cows), and land-use changes such as deforestation.
Methane is a particularly potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential 25 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period and about 80 times greater over a 20-year period. Cattle, as ruminants, are the largest source of methane emissions in the agricultural sector. This makes beef and dairy production especially impactful in terms of climate change.
The expansion of livestock farming is a leading driver of deforestation, particularly in tropical regions like the Amazon rainforest. Forests are cleared to create grazing land or to grow feed crops such as soy, the majority of which is used for livestock feed rather than human consumption. This loss of forests reduces the planet’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide and contributes to biodiversity loss, further exacerbating the climate crisis.
Animal agriculture is resource-intensive, requiring large amounts of water, land, and feed. For example, producing 1 kilogram of beef requires approximately 15,000 litres of water, although much of this is "green water" from rainfall. Nonetheless, the industry’s water use is significant and contributes to regional water stress, particularly in areas where irrigation is required.
One of the most striking claims in "Cowspiracy" is that animal agriculture produces more greenhouse gas emissions than the entire transportation sector. While this comparison is attention-grabbing, it can be misleading without context. The 14.5% of global emissions attributed to animal agriculture includes both direct and indirect emissions, such as deforestation and feed production. By contrast, the transport sector’s emissions (approximately 14%) are typically reported as direct emissions from fuel combustion. Comparing these figures directly without explaining the differences in methodology can lead to confusion. Although animal agriculture is undeniably a major contributor to climate change, fossil fuel combustion across various sectors remains the largest source of emissions globally.
Global meat production has steadily increased over the past few decades, driven by population growth and changing dietary patterns, particularly in developing countries. The FAO projects that meat production will rise by 14% by 2030. This trend poses a challenge for meeting climate goals, as expanding livestock production will likely increase emissions and further strain natural resources.
One of the key messages of "Cowspiracy" is that adopting plant-based diets can significantly reduce the environmental impact of our food systems. Research supports this claim. For example, a 2016 study published in "Nature" found that shifting to plant-based diets could reduce global food-related emissions by 49%–70%, depending on the extent of the dietary shift.
A plant-based food system also requires less land and water, freeing up resources for reforestation and biodiversity conservation. However, it’s important to note that the benefits depend on the scale of adoption and the extent to which plant-based options replace high-impact foods like beef and lamb.
One of the criticisms raised in "Cowspiracy" is that many environmental organisations have historically downplayed the role of animal agriculture in climate change. While this was largely true at the time of the documentary’s release, the conversation has since evolved. Today, organisations like Greenpeace, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and others have begun addressing the environmental impact of food systems more directly. However, the level of attention given to this issue still lags behind that of other sectors like energy and transportation.
The challenge lies in addressing dietary habits, which are deeply personal and culturally significant. Shifting societal norms and policies to prioritise sustainable food systems will require collaboration across governments, industries, and civil society.
Addressing the environmental impact of animal agriculture requires action at both individual and systemic levels:
For Individuals
1. Reduce Meat and Dairy Consumption: Even small changes, like adopting a flexitarian or plant-based diet, can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
2. Educate Yourself: Learn more about the environmental impact of food systems and share this knowledge with others.
3. Choose Sustainable Options: Support companies and products that prioritise sustainability, such as plant-based alternatives or regenerative farming practices.
For Policymakers
1. Reform Agricultural Subsidies: Redirect subsidies from industrial livestock production to sustainable farming practices.
2. Promote Plant-Based Diets: Invest in public awareness campaigns and support research into alternative proteins.
3. Strengthen Land-Use Policies: Protect forests and other ecosystems from agricultural expansion.
"Cowspiracy" sparked an important conversation about the role of animal agriculture in climate change, challenging viewers to reconsider their food choices. I certainly had a deep look at my own choices after I watched this movie. Anyone that cares about the planet, and their health would do the same. While some of the claims in "Cowspiracy" require careful interpretation and context, the documentary’s core message remains valid: the way we produce and consume food has profound implications for the planet.
As the climate crisis intensifies, addressing the environmental impact of animal agriculture must be a part of the solution. By making informed choices and advocating for systemic change, we can help create a more sustainable and equitable food system—one that nourishes both people and the planet.
What changes have you made to reduce your environmental impact? We want to hear your thoughts. Comment below or follow me on Instagram for more plant-based content.
