This category investigates the human dimension of animal exploitation—how we as individuals and societies justify, sustain, or resist systems of cruelty. From cultural traditions and economic dependencies to public health and spiritual beliefs, our relationships with animals reflect the values we hold and the power structures we inhabit. The “Humans” section explores these connections, revealing how deeply intertwined our own well-being is with the lives we dominate.
We examine how meat-heavy diets, industrial farming, and global supply chains harm human nutrition, mental health, and local economies. Public health crises, food insecurity, and environmental collapse are not isolated events—they are symptoms of an unsustainable system that prioritizes profit over people and planet. At the same time, this category highlights hope and transformation: vegan families, athletes, communities, and activists who are reimagining the human-animal relationship and building more resilient, compassionate ways of living.
By confronting the ethical, cultural, and practical implications of animal use, we also face ourselves. What kind of society do we want to be part of? How do our choices reflect or betray our values? The path toward justice—for animals and for humans—is the same. Through awareness, empathy, and action, we can begin to repair the disconnection that fuels so much suffering, and move toward a more just and sustainable future.
The consumption of meat is often seen as a personal choice, but its implications reach far beyond the dinner plate. From its production in factory farms to its impact on marginalized communities, the meat industry is intricately linked to a series of social justice issues that deserve serious attention. By exploring the various dimensions of meat production, we uncover the complex web of inequality, exploitation, and environmental degradation that is exacerbated by the global demand for animal products. In this article, we delve into why meat is not just a dietary choice but a significant social justice concern. This year alone, an estimated 760 million tonnes (over 800 million tons) of corn and soy will be used as animal feed. The majority of these crops, however, will not nourish humans in any meaningful way. Instead, they will go to livestock, where they will be converted into waste, rather than sustenance. …