The Worst Thing You're Doing

The Moral Catastrophe of Factory Farming

Florida Chicken Farm (Wikimedia Commons, 2008)

When I was 14 and a freshman in high school, I had unwavering convictions about everything. In my teenage certainty, I embraced vegetarianism—not for health or environmental reasons, but as a rebellion against the meat-loving culture around me. I would casually say it was for "ethical reasons," but as my academic interests grew, this became a true ethical dilemma.

In my first philosophy course, we discussed Kwame Appiah’s "What Will Future Generations Condemn Us For?" It was this piece that made me realize my decision to stop eating meat had great moral significance. In applied ethics, the question of whether eating meat is permissible stands out. Not only is it a clear-cut no-brainer, but it also serves as a clear example of how we often fail to morally decouple everyday actions.

This article aims to explore the broader implications of dietary choices, asking: might consuming meat, especially from factory farms, be one of the most significant ethical issues of our time? Factory farming, when assessed through the lenses of the animal mind (§1), environmental degradation (§2), and its effects on human health and welfare (§3), emerges as a serious wrongdoing. By reflecting on humanity's historical actions and their lasting consequences, it's worth asking how factory farming fits into that narrative (§4).

Animal Ethics and the Denial of Animal Mind

As human understanding evolves, so does our moral compass, broadening the circle of beings to whom we extend our empathy. Central to this shift is acknowledging that every sentient being—irrespective of species—merits respect, dignity, and protection from avoidable suffering. Current research increasingly affirms the profound cognitive and emotional capabilities of animals, underscoring the urgency to recognize their intricate inner lives. Yet, there exists a stark disconnect between this burgeoning awareness and the harsh truths of factory farming.

This graph highlights the contrast between our understanding of animal consciousness and their assigned ethical weight, hinting at a historical denial of animal cognition. The "Placeholder Welfare Range Estimates" illustrate the moral weight attributed to different species relative to humans. If these values even roughly indicate their capacity for pleasure and pain, then factory farming practices become all the more questionable.

Consider pigs, which carry a moral weight of 0.515, second only to humans. They endure agonizing experiences within the confines of factory farms, from blistering 150-degree steam to invasive identification procedures like ear notching. Female pigs, or sows, are particularly victimized as they are confined in claustrophobic gestation crates, which restrict their ability to lie down for days on end. Chickens, notably egg-laying hens, bear their share of torment. Packed in cramped cages for transportation, many sustain fractures and wounds. Alarmingly, about 15% don't survive the journey. Once at the farm, they’re housed in dim, crowded spaces, with their existence being a far cry from any natural environment. Cruel practices like debeaking sans pain relief amplify the depths of their daily suffering. Male chicks in the egg industry, deemed useless since they can't lay eggs, are subjected to maceration—a process that grinds them alive. Dairy cows, icons of nurture, are ensnared in a relentless cycle: frequent insemination, birth, calf separation, and eventual slaughter. This cycle embodies the factory farm's mechanical indifference to animal welfare. It's important to note that these heinous practices only scratch the surface of the issue, with countless other animals suffering similar fates…

Such practices aren't anomalies; they represent a systemic issue, impacting an astounding 92.2 billion animals every year. Our collective oversight of animals' cognitive and emotional landscapes enables these practices to continue unchecked. As our understanding of animal cognition deepens, our moral duties must grow in tandem. Addressing the realities of factory farming isn't merely advocacy—it marks our moral evolution.

The Environmental Toll

Central to environmental ethics is the belief that practices harming our environment, particularly those inflicting irreversible damage or endangering numerous species, are ethically problematic. Factory farming stands out as a chief culprit behind such damage, forever tainting our planet’s health. Imagine chickens densely packed in vast, windowless sheds, devoid of natural sunlight and fresh air. Beyond illustrating an animal welfare concern, this image highlights an environmental issue: the considerable energy consumed to artificially sustain these environments.

Factory farming's environmental toll extends beyond energy use. Take deforestation, for example. A significant portion of global forests fall to accommodate this expanding industry, endangering the habitats of countless species. To paint a clearer picture, 2021 estimates warned that unchecked meat consumption might push over 1,000 species to lose up to a quarter of their habitats by 2050.

Vast amounts of waste produced by these farms compound the ecological challenge. Just one mid-sized dairy farm, home to 200 cows, produces a staggering 24,000 pounds of manure daily.  In 2012 alone, factory farms were responsible for nearly 370 million tons of animal waste. This waste not only jeopardizes our soil quality but also plays a significant role in water contamination.

On the topic of water, nearly a quarter of the world's freshwater resources are diverted into meat and dairy production. Whether it's for hydrating animals, cleaning facilities, or processing products, the volume of water used in animal agriculture is shocking,  especially when juxtaposed with global efforts to preserve this essential resource.

Moreover, livestock farming, predominantly cattle, releases immense amounts of methane. Factory farming accounts for 37% of methane emissions—a greenhouse gas with over 20 times CO2's warming effect. Pairing this with the staggering fact that farmed chickens constitute 57% of the total weight of all bird species on Earth, the conclusion becomes clear: factory farming isn't just an industry,  it’s an overwhelming force reshaping our planet.

Impacts on Human Health and Welfare

Historically, meat has been a cornerstone of human diets, but modern production methods have raised significant ethical and health concerns. Factory farms, as a byproduct of this shift, are now seen as breeding grounds for zoonotic diseases—those transmissible from animals to humans. One major concern is the unchecked use of antibiotics to combat diseases in the overcrowded conditions of these farms. Such practices speed up the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a looming global health crisis. Projections from the WHO indicate that while antibiotic resistance currently accounts for 1 million deaths annually, by 2050, deaths from antibiotic-resistant pathogens might surpass even cancer, reaching a staggering 10 million deaths each year.

Another WHO report classified certain processed meats, often sourced from factory farms, as Group 1 carcinogens, equating their health risks to that of tobacco. While gauging the direct human toll of factory farming remains complex, its indirect effects are evident. Factory farms significantly mar our environment by polluting over 145,000 miles of US water bodies and instigating fertilizer runoff. Not to mention, studies show that almost 18,000 annual deaths are attributable to pollution from farms across the United States. 

Many champion the idea that consuming meat is "natural" based on our evolutionary history, but the meat we often consume, particularly processed kinds, is profoundly different from what our ancestors would have recognized. Our capacity to deviate from our biological intuitions, in many ways, is the beauty of humanity. We've consistently evolved, adapted, and strayed from primitive instincts in many facets of life—be it art, technology, societal norms, and even morality. Why then, should we halt this progress when it comes to our dietary choices?

A Dark Thread in Human History

Human history is interlaced with threads symbolizing our actions, decisions, and events. Many of these threads showcase moments of brilliance and compassion, yet some represent the shadows of our transgressions. Among them is the thread of factory farming, noteworthy not only for its modern emergence but also for its profound scale and ethical implications.

Scale and Duration

The scale of factory farming is unparalleled. To truly grasp its enormity, consider that every two years, the number of animals slaughtered in factory farms surpasses the total number of humans who have ever existed. What’s more, is that this statistic doesn't account for trillions of sea creatures who share the same fate. Unlike many historical misdeeds, limited in duration or geography, this industry has subjected 92.2 billion animals annually to severe suffering for decades, touching nearly every corner of the globe. The tangible alteration in animal species underpins the impact of this industry. Take the domesticated chicken: since 1960, chickens bred for meat have seen a significant increase in weight, an illustration of how industrial farming has transformed animal biology. Compared to other historical episodes, the magnitude of beings affected by factory farming is unprecedented.

You might ask, “Don't we owe our food progress to factory farming? And animals multiply faster; doesn't that justify the factory farming numbers?”

It's crucial to draw a clear line between strides in agricultural advancement and the modern industrialization of meat production. Agricultural advancement has unequivocally bolstered crop yields, revolutionized food storage and transportation, and consequently reduced global hunger. These achievements deserve applause and recognition. Nevertheless, juxtaposing these advancements is the rise of factory farming. This model of meat production is an entirely distinct phenomenon and carries its own set of ethical, environmental, and health implications. 

While the scale of factory farming is hard to ignore, it's essential to contextualize its role. Some contend that the rapid reproduction and shorter lifespans of certain animals somehow justify the scale of factory farming. Still, the focal concern extends beyond numbers. It's about the quality of life these animals experience in their short lifetimes, often characterized by confined spaces, disease, and lack of natural behaviors.

Consequentialist Implications

Beyond the immediate agony faced by these animals, factory farming leaves a legacy of environmental degradation and health hazards. We're witnessing billions of animal deaths, millions of human deaths, degradation of ecosystems, contamination of water sources, diminished biodiversity, and the rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Unlike some past wrongs, which were transient in their effects, the aftermath of factory farming will shape our environment and health for centuries to come.

Considering the massive global population, “Isn't it necessary to prioritize human needs over animal rights? Doesn't factory farming play a vital role in feeding the world?”

Fellow staff writer Matthew Adelstien details how a global shift towards veganism could dramatically diminish food insecurity. The logic is simple: the resources, especially grains and water, dedicated to livestock could instead directly nourish a larger human population. Factory farming essentially acts as an inefficient conduit, transforming plant nutrients into animal protein with significant losses. Furthermore, it's essential to pinpoint where factory farming predominates: in advanced, industrialized nations, not regions wrestling with starvation. Ironically, it's often the nations devoid of these large-scale meat industries that suffer the environmental repercussions most acutely. 

Advocating for an end to human starvation and championing the humane treatment of animals aren't competing goals. Both can and should be pursued in conjunction. It falls upon developed nations, with their abundant resources and global sway, to lead this transformative journey. By overhauling their food systems and promoting sustainable alternatives, they can set a precedent for a just and compassionate global food ethos.

The Paradox of Continuation

Perhaps most striking are the issues of intentionality and avoidability tied to factory farming. Many historical wrongs arose from ignorance or limitations, but factory farming persists in a well-informed era, replete with technological advancements.  Our sustained commitment to it, even when fully aware of its implications and viable alternatives, points to deep cultural entrenchment and entrenched economic interests.

But then, one might wonder, “Isn't meat, especially from factory farms, more affordable for consumers? Doesn't this industry also create countless jobs and boost our economy?”

This affordability is somewhat illusory. The price tags on meat products don't reflect the hidden environmental, social, and health-related costs. Environmental degradation and the rising healthcare expenses tied to diet-related diseases are just the tip of the iceberg.  When you factor in these hidden costs, coupled with government subsidies bolstering these industries, the economical allure of factory-farmed meat diminishes. On the employment front, while factory farming undeniably provides jobs, industries have historically evolved with shifting paradigms. The growth of sustainable agricultural practices and lab-grown meat sectors indicates emerging employment avenues. The task at hand is to ensure that policies facilitate a smooth transition to these sustainable sectors. 

In wrapping up, it's worth discussing the very foundation of the economic argument. If economic interests focus solely on immediate profit, sidelining planetary health and individual well-being, they're ultimately self-defeating. True economic viability should harmonize profit with environmental and social responsibilities. As we witness the rise of innovation, farming practices, like permaculture and agroforestry, hold promise for large-scale implementation.

In Closing

Within the broad narrative of human decisions, factory farming casts a formidable shadow, extending beyond dietary preferences or economic tactics to raise deep ethical dilemmas. A holistic look at factory farming uncovers a complex network of issues: the ethics of animal welfare, the environmental toll, and the ramifications on human health. Each facet, in its own right, demands scrutiny, yet when woven together, they form a compelling case against the status quo.

Modest reforms are no longer sufficient. A study from Oxford University asserts that embracing veganism stands as the “single biggest way” to diminish our carbon footprint, with potential reductions of up to 73%. It’s evident that reducing, if not entirely eliminating, meat consumption is a pivotal step towards a sustainable future. However, understanding global dietary habits and cultural nuances, the real long-term solution lies in advancing and promoting alternatives such as lab-grown meat and plant-based substitutes.

Collective action has always been the foundation of addressing humanity's most pressing challenges. Looking ahead, the sobering possibility that factory farming might be viewed as one of our time's greatest missteps emerges. Faced with this ethical juncture, our unified choice becomes paramount: will we be remembered as those who stood by during this vast moral oversight, or as those who recognized its dangers and elected a course laden with empathy and compassion?