ABSTRACT

Livestock production and its use of finite resources is devastating biodiversity and pushing wildlife to the brink of extinction. This powerful book examines the massive global impact caused by intensive livestock production and then explores solutions, ranging from moving to agroecological farming to reducing consumption of animal products, including examples of best practice and innovation, both on land and within the investment and food industries.

Leading international contributors spell out the problems in terms of planetary limits, climate change, resources, the massive use of cereals and soy for animal feed, and the direct impact of industrial farming on the welfare of farmed animals. They call for an urgent move to a flourishing food system for the sake of animals, the planet and us. Some offer examples of global good practice in farming or the power of the investment community to drive change, and others highlight food business innovation and exciting developments in protein diversification. Providing a highly accessible overview of key issues, this book creates a timely resource for all concerned about the environmental, social and ethical issues facing food, farming and nature. It will be an invaluable resource and provide inspiration for students, professionals, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the general reader.

chapter 1|4 pages

Introduction

part I|6 pages

Setting the planetary scene

part II|19 pages

The impacts of livestock production on the natural world

chapter 3|19 pages

The great disappearing act

chapter 5|3 pages

Bees versus robots

chapter 7|9 pages

Protected Cerrado and sustainable diets

Complementary pathways towards a more conscious appetite

chapter 8|5 pages

The growing demand for fish

Impacts on the environment, animal welfare and food security

part III|8 pages

The impact of livestock production on people

part IV|11 pages

The significance of sentience in wild and farmed animals

chapter 11|11 pages

Beyond words

What animals think and feel

chapter 12|7 pages

Creatures of the factory farm

chapter 14|6 pages

Green and pleasant farming

Cattle, sheep and habitat

part V|9 pages

Solutions for people, planet and animals

chapter 15|9 pages

Agroecology working in Africa

The case of Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania (SAT)

chapter 18|7 pages

Silvopastoral systems

A feasible step towards environmentally sustainable livestock systems in Mexico

chapter 19|3 pages

Farming in harmony with nature

part VI|23 pages

Food policy for the future

chapter |2 pages

Conclusion