In order to meet the growing, global demand for animal products, animal farming has undergone a significant transformation in recent decades. Small family-run holdings have been replaced by large-scale industrialized factory farms that employ highly intensive methods at the expense of animal welfare. Rather than grazing freely on open fields, animals are now often confined in overcrowded conditions, devoid of fresh air or the opportunity to experience grass beneath their feet.

This section of SHAPE Your Future provides information on the detrimental effects of industrialized meat, egg, and dairy production on animal welfare, the environment, and our health. By gaining knowledge through this resource, you will be empowered to make informed choices about including animal products in your diet and actively decide whether to make small or more substantial changes. Even minor adjustments can have a significant impact.

Factory farming emerges as a prominent contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and is notorious for its extensive water usage. It significantly contributes to the pollution of rivers, lakes, and oceans, causing severe damage to entire ecosystems. Moreover, it stands as a major driver of deforestation, as large portions of deforested land are allocated for growing crops to feed factory-farmed animals.