Global livestock farming has expanded significantly over the past two decades, with the number of farmed mammals and poultry increasing by 50%, according to new research from the Stop Financing Factory Farming alliance. This rise has been accompanied by a 25% increase in the amount of cropland dedicated to growing animal feed, intensifying pressure on natural ecosystems.

The research highlights the growing environmental impact of livestock production, which threatens biodiversity by disrupting habitats and increasing competition for land. Wildlife and plant species face heightened risks as farmland expands into previously undisturbed areas, contributing to habitat loss and fragmentation.

This trend also exacerbates the climate crisis. Livestock farming is a notable source of greenhouse gas emissions, including methane and nitrous oxide, which contribute significantly to global warming. The broader expansion of feed crops often involves deforestation and intensified agricultural practices, further releasing carbon stored in soils and vegetation.

The findings come two decades after the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s influential report, Livestock’s Long Shadow, which first brought attention to the environmental consequences of animal agriculture. Since that report’s publication, demand for animal products has continued to rise globally, driven by population growth, urbanization, and changing diets, especially in middle-income countries.

While some advocate for sustainable livestock practices and improved efficiency to balance food production with environmental goals, critics argue that current growth levels remain unsustainable. Conservationists call for urgent measures to reduce livestock numbers, promote plant-based diets, and preserve remaining natural habitats.

The report underscores the need for governments, investors, and policymakers to prioritize environmental considerations in agricultural development. Addressing the ecological footprint of livestock farming is seen as crucial to meeting broader targets for biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation in the coming years.