What is the impact of livestock production (including animal feed) on a just and sustainable food system in each of the 17 SDGs?
Context and Relevance:
Livestock production, including the cultivation of animal feed, significantly impacts various aspects of sustainability as outlined by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is crucial to evaluate this impact comprehensively to avoid superficial measures of sustainability, such as focusing solely on deforestation. A nuanced understanding of how livestock production intersects with all SDGs can guide policymakers, investors, and the finance sector in making informed decisions that support a just and sustainable food system. This analysis can help prevent "greenwashing" by the agribusiness sector and promote effective strategies for transitioning to more sustainable practices.
Potential Research Approach:
Systematic Review: Conduct a systematic review of existing literature and reports to evaluate the impact of livestock production on each of the 17 SDGs. This review should include both direct impacts (e.g., land use, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage) and indirect impacts (e.g., food security, health, economic inequality). Incorporate case studies to provide practical insights and examples.
Impact Assessment: Assess how livestock production affects each SDG individually and in combination. This involves examining metrics and indicators related to each goal and understanding how livestock production contributes to or detracts from achieving these targets.
Policy and Investment Implications: Analyze how the findings relate to current policies and investment strategies. Identify opportunities for aligning policies with SDGs and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles. Recommend actions for governments and the finance sector to support the transition to a just and sustainable food system.
Additional Questions:
How does livestock production impact each of the 17 SDGs in different geographical and economic contexts, and what variations are observed between high-income and low-income regions?
What are the most effective policy interventions and investment strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of livestock production on the SDGs, and how can these be implemented across different sectors?
How can the transition to plant-based and alternative protein sources contribute to achieving the SDGs, and what role can governments, businesses, and consumers play in facilitating this transition?