Biodiversity—the vast web of life that sustains ecosystems and human existence—is under unprecedented threat, and industrial animal agriculture stands as one of its primary drivers. Factory farming fuels large-scale deforestation, wetland drainage, and grassland destruction to create space for grazing livestock or to grow monoculture feed crops such as soy and corn. These activities fragment natural habitats, displace countless species, and push many toward extinction. The ripple effects are profound, destabilizing ecosystems that regulate climate, purify air and water, and maintain soil fertility.
The intensive use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and antibiotics in industrial farming further accelerates biodiversity decline by poisoning waterways, degrading soils, and weakening natural food chains. Aquatic ecosystems are particularly vulnerable, as nutrient runoff creates oxygen-depleted “dead zones” where fish and other species cannot survive. At the same time, the homogenization of global agriculture erodes genetic diversity, leaving food systems more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and climate shocks.
This category underscores how protecting biodiversity is inseparable from rethinking our diets and farming practices. By reducing dependence on animal products and embracing more sustainable, plant-based food systems, humanity can alleviate pressures on ecosystems, safeguard endangered species, and preserve the natural balance that supports all forms of life.
Factory farming is a leading driver of environmental degradation, contributing to climate change, deforestation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. This intensive agricultural system emits large quantities of greenhouse gases like methane while exhausting natural resources and destroying ecosystems. It also raises serious health concerns through antibiotic overuse and unsanitary conditions that foster disease outbreaks. With its widespread impact on the planet’s health and human well-being, adopting sustainable practices such as regenerative farming, plant-based diets, and supporting local agriculture has become increasingly urgent for creating a healthier future for our planet
