ecology: the power of animals

seven voices in food systems and public health convened at the walrus talks to discuss the quality of our future linked to the flourishing of animals.

following are speaker highlights.

“imagine this: you’re in the atlantic forest of brazil on a family farm using traditional, locally-adapted farm practices passed down through generations. chickens and pigs forage and roam freely. the farm is diverse, the soil is rich, the water is clean.”

the industrial food system is not doing what we expected it to, causing 80% biodiversity loss, soil and water quality decline, and restricted food autonomy. the system can change by divesting from industrial food stocks, buying whole local food, and asking officials to support eco-farmers.

—dr. alison blay-palmer, unesco chair on food, biodiversity, and sustainability studies
​
“like most physician colleagues, i was not taught in training about the profound link between diet and disease. now i talk to all of my patients about food because the evidence is clear. one of the most powerful levers for change is on our plates.”

non-communicable disease accounts for 3/4 of global deaths, a significant portion of which could be prevented by lifestyle behaviours. in canada, of ~$372 billion spent on healthcare in 2024 (~$9,054 per person), little was directed to prevention. 

—dr. zahra kassam, radiation oncologist, stronach regional cancer centre and assistant professor, university of toronto

“the invention of antimicrobials was revolutionary. we would not be where we are without them. but antimicrobial resistance, this inevitable response, is counter-revolutionary.”

antimicrobial resistance in food animals is estimated to cause loss equal to the needs of 750 million to 2 billion people by 2025. in canada, the cost is $1.4 billion+ a year. one way to reverse this is to reduce antibiotics to only when all other measures for improving health have been taken.

—dr. scott weese, professor, ontario veterinary college, university of guelph

“when a politician knocks on your door in the next election, ask them what they’re going to do to make sure environmental health, human health, and animal health are being dealt with together.”

one health is a framework that recognizes animals, humans, and environment as interconnected and unable to pull apart from each other or treat in isolation. this has informed policy planning around animal protection and attempts to operationalize the new food guide.

—nathaniel erskine-smith, mp, beaches—east york

“action doesn’t automatically change behaviour unless the environment supports it. this is where choice architecture comes in.”

how choices are framed, like food on a menu, shapes decisions without limiting freedom. though plant-based support slowed under strong competitor influence, citizens can still influence restaurants, grocers, and officials to prioritize it, multiplying one choice into millions.

—nital jethalal, executive director, institute for future food systems

“even though animal farming is one of the biggest contributors of methane and nitrous oxide, we don’t see it mentioned in the news or on government agendas when the climate is discussed. but it’s starting to change.”

people are saying no to factory farm expansion due to the harm it causes. conversely, on farms that let animals to roam freely and return to instinctual behaviours, the surrounding land and sky are naturally revitalizing.

—tricia croasdell, ceo, world animal protection

“the truth i’ve learned is that every animal has special powers. these powers have evolved through the pressures of life and death. every animal has its own niche.”
​
wild animals remain connected to the web of life. they feed themselves, build shelter, stay warm or cool, find joy, and live with purpose. they do this by following the law of enough. to live by this law is to live within the web of life, held together by reciprocity. humans can do this again, too.

—dr. joseph leblanc, assistant professor, indigenous health, nosm university; vice president, social accountability, association of faculties of medicine of canada

references:
+ https://youtu.be/xVZxnRwz7ts?si=Dg6Bgh1b-IlnCFrl
+ https://thewalrus.ca/the-walrus-talks-the-power-of-animals/