Why are livestock farming and environmental justice connected in some communities?

Livestock farming, particularly intensive operations like concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), is connected to environmental justice because the resulting pollution disproportionately impacts nearby human communities.1

These facilities house large numbers of animals, generating massive quantities of manure that can contaminate local water sources through runoff. Furthermore, the accumulation of waste and the presence of large animal populations create noxious odors and significant air pollution. In many regions, the dust and airborne pollutants generated by these farms have been directly linked to respiratory health problems in the people living in surrounding areas.12

Because these environmental burdens—such as degraded air and water quality—are often concentrated in specific communities, the management of livestock waste and the siting of intensive farms are recognized as critical environmental justice issues. Addressing these impacts is essential to upholding the ethical principle that all communities deserve protection from environmental hazards and the right to clean, healthy living conditions.1