Baku, 19 November 2024 – The World Federation for Animals today launched at COP29 the Animals for Climate Action tool – a resource that guides policymakers in integrating animal welfare into climate and biodiversity strategies. This innovative online tool provides practical recommendations for governments to boost their climate resilience and increase their carbon sequestration by safeguarding wild animals and their habitats. With the support of over 75 animal welfare organisations worldwide, the World Federation for Animals developed the tool to address the critical threats facing wildlife. 

The tool delivers actionable solutions, from advancing sustainable food systems to protecting biodiversity, enabling wild animals to thrive and ecosystems to store carbon more effectively. Advice on policy actions to protect and restore wildlife populations, promote sustainable agricultural practices and diets, and enable just transitions away from industrial animal agriculture are also available.

James Yeates, CEO of the World Federation for Animals, said: “Wild animals are essential allies in our fight against climate change, with research showing that restoring the populations of just nine species could capture up to 6.4 gigatons of CO₂ annually. Yet our exploitation of nature and unsustainable food practices severely limit these benefits. Our tool empowers policymakers to take meaningful action to protect wildlife and enhance climate resilience.”

COP29 is especially significant as it marks the last climate conference before the February 2025 deadline for countries to update their Nationally Determined Contributions. The World Federation for Animals is committed to helping countries integrate animal welfare strategies into these crucial updates, ensuring that climate plans are both ambitious and effective.

WFA members including FOUR PAWS, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, World Animal Protection and Mercy for Animals supported the launch.

Ed Goodall, Head of Intergovernmental Engagement at Whale and Dolphin Conservation, said: “Whales and other wild animals have long been viewed as the victims of the climate crisis. Science shows that they play important roles in ecosystems. This new tool from WFA showcases how action to protect, conserve and restore animal populations is in itself, climate action and we look forward to working with countries to embed these policies in their climate and biodiversity strategies.”

Angel Flores, World Animal Protection’s External Affairs Manager, said: “This vital resource shows clearly we cannot tackle one crisis without addressing the other. By safeguarding animal welfare and biodiversity, policymakers can create resilient food systems, fulfil their climate change commitments and secure a thriving planet for future generations. Protecting animals is key to closing the huge emissions gap threatening our climate goals—and this tool can help governments achieve this.“

Sebastian Osborn, Global Policy Manager at Mercy For Animals shared, “Animals for Climate Action offers tangible solutions for countries to integrate sustainable food policies into their climate plans. From plant-based meals in schools to labelling schemes that empower consumers, these measures are proven to reduce environmental impacts while improving health and biodiversity outcomes.”

You can find the Animals for Climate Action Tool here: https://animals4climate.wfa.org/ 

Whale and Dolphin Conservation – Whale and Dolphin Conservation is the leading global charity dedicated to the conservation and protection of whales and dolphins. We defend these remarkable creatures against the many threats they face through campaigns, lobbying, advising governments, conservation projects, field research and rescue. Our vision: A world in which every whale and dolphin is safe and free.

Mercy for Animals – Mercy For Animals is an international nonprofit organisation working to end industrial animal agriculture by constructing a just and sustainable food system. Operating in Brazil, Canada, India, Mexico, Malaysia and the United States, Mercy For Animals uses legal and policy advocacy, corporate campaigns, and public engagement to bring about meaningful change for animals. Mercy for Animals believes that climate action on food systems is important for humans, animals and nature and that a global shift towards plant-based diets — addressing the critical shortfalls in fruit, vegetable, and legume access and consumption and the increasingly excessive animal source food consumption at a global level — is a particularly crucial step towards reducing the suffering of animals, addressing the climate crisis, and achieving sustainable development.

World Animal Protection – World Animal Protection International World Animal Protection is the global voice for animal welfare, with more than 70 years’ experience campaigning for a world where animals live free from cruelty and suffering. Our work to protect animals will play a vital role in solving the climate emergency, the public health crisis, and the devastation of natural habitats. We have offices in 12 countries and work across 47 countries. We collaborate with local communities, the private sector, civil society, and governments to change animals’ lives for the better. Our goal is to change the way the world works to end animal cruelty and suffering for both wild and farmed animals. Through our global food system strategy, we will end factory farming and create a humane and sustainable food system that puts animals first. By transforming the broken systems that fuel exploitation and commodification, we will give wild animals the right to a wild life. Together, we will change the way the world works and end animal cruelty and suffering. Forever.