The American public has spoken

To mark the launch, we released new research showing that 60% of American adults believe factory farming puts profits ahead of taking care of the climate and our environment.

The YouGov research – conducted in 13 countries covering all six UN geo-scheme regions – also shows that American adults believe factory farming puts profits ahead of animal welfare (67%) and the health of people who eat animal products (59%).

Celebrities share their support

World-renowned actor Brian Cox, who has signed the End of the Line petition, says: “Tackling climate change is one of the most important undertakings of our time – but to turn the tide on this crisis, we need to address its root causes – and animal factory farming is one of them. Far beyond the suffering it inflicts on animals, intensive farming is threatening the very future of our planet.”

Billboards highlight factory farming impacts

Earlier today, eye-catching bicycle billboards were launched at popular landmarks in New York, London and Paris to raise public awareness of the impact of factory farming on climate. The poll revealed that just 45% of American adults are aware that the livestock sector produces more greenhouse gas emissions than the emissions of all the world’s planes, trains, and cars combined.

Why now?

This week, the world’s eyes have been on Egypt as leading thinkers and policymakers join global leaders to find solutions to the climate crisis and commit to ways to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. But we can’t tackle the growing climate emergency without ending factory farming.

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A post shared by Compassion in World Farming US (@compassionusa)

Ben Williamson, Director of Compassion in World Farming US, remarks: “Today, we’re calling time on factory farming. Not only is it the single biggest cause of animal cruelty on the planet and a major driver of wildlife declines, but without ending it, we simply cannot tackle the growing climate emergency.

“Our research shows that American people aren’t convinced by industry propaganda that factory farming is ‘necessary’ to feed the world. Their priority is making money – and at the expense of our climate, our health, and animal welfare. Big meat companies prop up a highly profitable system without accounting for the climate, health, and animal welfare impacts they cause. The results also show that many people simply aren’t aware of the livestock sector’s emissions impact on climate compared to transport.

“The End of the Line campaign will harness worldwide support to get leaders to end this cruel and destructive practice and to transform our food system so that it benefits animals, people, and the planet. This must include managing the unsustainable consumption of meat, poultry, fish, and dairy, especially in high-consuming populations.

“We’re urging individuals, forward-thinking businesses, NGOs, and others who care about animals, our planet, and our health, to join this global movement today. It’s either the End of the Line for Factory Farming, or for us.”