Global food production, particularly animal agriculture, plays a significant role in many of today’s environmental challenges, including climate change, deforestation, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss, experts say. Despite occupying roughly 87% of agricultural land, animal farming supplies only about 18% of the world’s calories, underscoring its inefficiency and environmental toll.

Cattle ranching has been identified as the leading cause of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, accounting for approximately 80% of forest loss in the region. The destruction of these forests diminishes critical carbon sinks and reduces biodiversity, further exacerbating climate change.

Water use within animal agriculture is also a major concern. Globally, agriculture accounts for about 70% of freshwater consumption, with animal farming disproportionately contributing to this demand. Producing one tonne of beef, for example, requires roughly 15,400 cubic meters of water, much of which is consumed by the feed crops grown for livestock rather than human food directly.

In addition to resource use, animal farming contributes to environmental degradation through water pollution. Runoff containing manure and fertilizers releases excessive nitrogen and phosphorus into aquatic ecosystems, leading to the formation of over 400 oxygen-depleted "dead zones" worldwide, which are inhospitable to marine life.

The expansion of grazing lands and feed crop plantations has also resulted in the loss of diverse habitats such as forests, grasslands, and wetlands. This habitat conversion, combined with the rise of monoculture farming, has led to dramatic declines in wildlife populations, with wild mammals now representing only a small fraction of the Earth's total mammal biomass.

Public health issues are further linked to animal agriculture, particularly the extensive use of antibiotics in factory farming. This practice contributes to antimicrobial resistance, which was linked to more than one million deaths globally in 2019. Additionally, pollutants can accumulate in animal-based food products, posing health risks.

Dr. Sailesh Rao, a systems engineer and founder of Climate Healers, has conducted research that emphasizes the central role of animal agriculture in driving climate change. His analysis incorporates the carbon storage potential lost due to land allocated to livestock production, suggesting that transforming global food systems is critical to meeting climate targets and preserving ecological balance.

Factory farming dominates global animal production, with approximately 75% of farmed animals worldwide raised in intensive confinement. In the United States, nearly all chickens, pigs, turkeys, farmed fish, and most egg-laying hens are reared in such conditions.

Advocates for change argue that shifting toward plant-based diets could substantially reduce environmental impacts and improve animal welfare. As global populations grow and environmental pressures increase, reforming food production methods is increasingly seen as an essential strategy for ensuring food security and planetary health.