Why Are Environmental NGOs Still Silent on Animal Agriculture?

You’d think the biggest driver of deforestation, ocean dead zones, water pollution, biodiversity collapse, and emissions would be front and centre in every environmental campaign. But when it comes to animal agriculture, most NGOs would rather talk about fossil fuels, plastic straws, and the Amazon... without mentioning what’s actually being done to it.

Animal farming is the elephant in the climate room. A methane-spewing, forest-clearing, water-sucking, ocean-killing machine that’s conveniently ignored by the very organisations claiming to protect the planet.

This study tried to figure out why.

Everyone Knows. No One Acts.

Researchers contacted hundreds of environmental NGOs across 48 U.S. states. Out of 111 responses, only 70 gave enough information to analyse properly.

Here’s the punchline:  

92% of the people working in these organisations agree that addressing animal farming is vital for tackling climate change.  

But only 11% say it’s a top priority in their campaigns.  

Read that again. Nearly everyone admits it matters. Hardly anyone is doing anything about it.

So why the silence?

It’s Not “Their Job”

Turns out, many of these organisations don’t see animal agriculture as part of their mission. They’re working on air quality, soil conservation, emissions, renewable energy. You know, the stuff animal farming destroys.

Some claimed they didn’t have the “expertise” to talk about animal farming. Others feared it would be controversial or distract from their messaging.

It’s not that they don’t care. It’s that they’re scared to say it out loud.

This isn’t a knowledge gap. It’s a courage gap.

Quiet Acknowledgement, Rare Action

Sure, 86% of NGOs say they mention animal agriculture. But for most, it’s a passing nod.  

61% admitted it comes up infrequently, if at all.

They might quietly slip it into a factsheet or a blog post, but there’s no front-page coverage, no campaigns, no real push. Meanwhile, entire forests are flattened to grow soy for pigs and chickens. Oceans are emptied. Rivers run brown with manure.

But yeah, let’s talk more about banning balloons.

Meat Reduction: Still Taboo

Even when it comes to reducing meat intake - not going plantbased, just eating less - most groups won’t touch it.

Only 11% had ever advocated for a plantbased or vegetarian diet. And just 2% are currently doing so. Another 2% might consider it someday.

Yet when asked, 40% said they’d be open to promoting lentils, beans, or tofu. 41% said they could get behind pushing Beyond or Impossible products.

So they’re not morally opposed. They’re just... hesitant. Apathetic. Afraid of annoying donors or alienating bacon fans.

Which makes one thing clear:  

It’s not the science holding them back. It’s the optics.

What Would Make Them Speak Up?

When asked what would help them talk more about animal agriculture, the answers were revealing:

- Better materials: Clear data, engaging visuals, education packs. Basically, “Give us something ready-made.”

- Standardised messaging: Campaigns they could adapt locally.

- Cultural/political opportunities: Like public outrage over new factory farms or highlighting traditions of plant-based eating.

In short: “We’ll speak up when it’s easy, popular, and someone else does the heavy lifting.”

Also telling? Nearly all respondents - 98% said the best motivator would be increasing public awareness of the environmental impact of animal farming.

They’re waiting for society to catch up, not leading the charge.

The Opportunity for Advocates

This isn’t a closed door. It’s an unlocked one most people are too timid to push.

Environmental NGOs might be tiptoeing around the issue, but they’re open to change - if someone else breaks the silence first. If someone shows them the path and hands them the tools.

This is where the vegan movement comes in. Not to politely nudge. Not to whisper. But to demand accountability. To provide the messaging. To frame animal agriculture as the environmental catastrophe it is - and to name those who stay silent.

Because silence is complicity. And when you’re letting slaughter and ecocide slide because you’re scared someone might unfollow you on Instagram, you’re not an environmentalist. You’re a brand manager.

Injustice Is Injustice

Let’s not pretend this is just about climate targets or emissions graphs.

Animal agriculture is a system built on supremacy. It treats sentient beings as resources. It commodifies life. It destroys not only individuals, but entire ecosystems. 

Any justice movement that ignores this is failing at the most basic level.

No More Excuses

So here’s the callout:

If you’re an environmental NGO and you’re not naming animal agriculture as a major threat to the planet, you’re not doing your job.

If you’re unwilling to say the word “vegan,” then you’re prioritising comfort over truth.

And if you’re waiting for someone else to lead, then step aside - because the animals, the forests, the oceans, and the atmosphere don’t have time to wait for your rebrand.

The planet’s on fire. And your silence is fuelling it.