Tigers help Asian forests store more carbon by controlling herbivore populations, allowing trees to grow taller, denser, and more carbon-rich. Sharks strengthen blue carbon ecosystems like seagrass, mangroves, and kelp forests through their feeding and reproductive behaviors. Penguins release guano compounds that help form clouds, cooling Antarctica and slowing sea ice loss.
These aren’t just fascinating facts. They’re proof that protecting animals is central to climate action. However, animal protection is a climate solution waiting to be scaled.
This November, the World Federation for Animals (WFA) heads to Brazil for COP30, the annual UN climate conference under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), taking place November 10-21, 2025.
As the world gathers in one of the planet’s most biodiverse regions, we’ll showcase how integrating animal welfare into climate solutions benefits people, animals, and the planet.
WFA focus at COP30
1. Better international cooperation
We believe that enhanced collaboration between the UNFCCC and other international bodies could strengthen climate action. With an item on this in this year’s agenda, we’ll be engaging with country representatives on how integrating animal welfare into environmental policies can help align efforts under the Rio Conventions, delivering joint benefits for people, animals, and ecosystems.
Discover our position here.
2. Food systems and climate action
Sustainable food systems are central to effective climate action, and animal welfare is a core element of their sustainability.
At COP30, we’ll be engaging in the discussions under the Sharm el-Sheikh Joint Work on Agriculture and Food Security. Specifically, we’ll be speaking with governments about how integrating animal welfare considerations in food production, together with the promotion of healthier, more sustainable plant-rich diets, is essential for holistic approaches to climate action in food systems to work. These approaches improve soil health, reduce emissions, enhance resilience, and improve food security.
Discover our contribution to the UNFCCC’s Sharm el-Sheikh joint work portal, showcasing the Animals for Climate Action tool and policy measures for transforming food systems.
3. Measuring climate adaptation progress
Through our member Mercy for Animals and partners, we’re supporting efforts to strengthen how countries track food system resilience.
At COP30, countries will review around 100 proposed indicators to measure progress toward the 11 global targets under the Global Goal on Adaptation, including one on food and agriculture. These indicators must capture the whole food system, from production to consumption, while avoiding metrics that could incentivise harmful intensification. They should also reflect progress in nutrition, equitable access to healthy food, and adaptation measures that build resilience across the food chain.
Visit our booth 49
From 17–20 November, WFA will be at exhibit booth 49 to showcase how improving animal welfare can drive solutions across climate, biodiversity, and land restoration agendas. Stop by to learn about our Animals For Climate Action tool, meet our team, and explore how protecting animals can power sustainable outcomes.
Your COP30 event schedule for animals
The Federation and partners will be hosting and contributing to several events featuring animal welfare and its links with food systems, biodiversity, health, and other key areas for climate action. Take note for your COP30 agenda and click on each title to see the full session details.
Just transition in agriculture & food systems: Roadmaps & perspectives
📅 November 12, 18:30–20:00 📍Side Event Room 9
From synergies to action: animals as the missing link
📅 November 14, 15:00–16:30 📍Side Event Room 8
Nourishing climate action: Policy tools for climate-aligned and resilient food systems
📅 November 14, 18:30–20:00 📍Side Event Room 6
📅 November 15, 18:30 📍Cryosphere Pavilion
Achieving food and nutrition security, climate, nature, and development goals through food systems
📅 November 15, 16:45–18:15 📍 Side Event Room 3
Integrating food, climate, and biodiversity: Pathways for ambitious NDCs
📅 November 19, 11:30–12:15 📍Nordic Pavilion
Enabling holistic NDCs: Tools for integrated climate, biodiversity, and food system action
📅 November 20, 10:30–11:30 📍CGIAR FAO Food & Agriculture Pavilion
Join us at COP30
The climate crisis demands solutions that work with nature, not against it. Animal protection is a much-overlooked tool in climate strategy. At COP30, we’re demonstrating that protecting animals and transforming our relationship with them is fundamental to climate action.
Whether you’re attending COP30 or following along from home, we invite you to join us as we drive forward solutions that benefit animals, people, and the planet.
Follow us on our social media channels to stay up to date with our work for COP30!
