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.
For centuries, consuming animals has been deeply woven into human culture and sustenance. Yet, as awareness of ethical dilemmas, environmental degradation, and health implications grows, the necessity of eating animals is being critically reevaluated. Can humans truly thrive without animal products? Advocates for plant-based diets argue yes—pointing to the moral responsibility to reduce animal suffering, the environmental urgency to mitigate climate change caused by industrial farming, and the proven health benefits of plant-based nutrition. This article examines why moving away from animal consumption is not only possible but essential for creating a compassionate, sustainable future that respects all life on Earth