In this conversation, Ashley Schaeffer Yildiz discusses the significant impact of factory farming on climate change, public health, and social justice. As the Agriculture and Climate Finance Program Manager at Friends of the Earth, she highlights the role of multilateral development banks in financing industrial livestock production and the urgent need to shift towards sustainable food systems. The discussion covers the environmental consequences of factory farming, case studies of specific projects, and the strategies employed by activists to combat these practices. Ashley emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the potential of agroecology as a solution for a more equitable food system.

‪@FriendsoftheEarthInt‬

Takeaways:

Factory farming is a major driver of climate change.

Multilateral development banks are funding industrial livestock production.

Animal agriculture generates more greenhouse gas emissions than transportation.

Factory farms contribute to deforestation and biodiversity loss.

Public health is at risk due to factory farming practices.

Community engagement is crucial in resisting factory farming.

Agroecology offers sustainable solutions for food production.

Activism can influence the decisions of financial institutions.

The majority of meat and dairy products come from factory farms.

There is a growing global movement against factory farming.

Keywords:

factory farming, climate change, multilateral development banks, environmental justice, sustainable agriculture, animal welfare, food systems, agroecology, social justice, public health