Regional Action Plan for disaster risk reduction

Animals affected by disasters

For over half a century, World Animal Protection has been a beacon of hope, saving countless animals from the brink of disaster. But we recognize that to create lasting change, we must address the root causes of these crises.

50 years of disaster response and resilience building

For more than 50 years, we have moved fast to protect animals affected by earthquakes, fires, floods, droughts, typhoons and other disasters. Our leadership in disaster risk reduction has empowered governments and communities worldwide to act preemptively, reducing harm.

As we've confronted these challenges head-on, a troubling trend has become clear: disasters are intensifying.

World Animal Protection staff assisting with animal rescue and rehab in Brazil
A World Animal Protection staff member holding a dog
World Animal Protection staff member in front of a cow

Confronting the root causes

Photo: Brett Hemmings/Getty

Climate change, driven by factory farming:

Our planet is witnessing a surge in the frequency and intensity of disasters, with climate change being a significant catalyst. Alarmingly, the factory farming industry stands as a dominant force accelerating this change. In addition to the animal suffering they create, they produce vast amounts of greenhouse gases. Factory farms magnify risks, endangering animals, destroying habitats, and jeopardizing communities.

Photo: PARALAXIS/Shutterstock

Unsustainable animal feed trade:

A staggering 80% of all global land-use shifts can be attributed to agriculture. Dive deeper, and you'll find that most of this encroachment is being used to grow expansive crops designed for animal feed. As factory farms multiply, they intensify this strain on natural resources demanding even more land for feed crops.

Our work

Understanding the 2021 Abbotsford floods

News

Exploring the causes of the largest agricultural disaster in British Columbia’s history and the urgency for animal welfare focused and climate-resilient farming practices.

What you need to know about the Brazil wildfires

News

In Brazil, wild animals are suffering and dying in unprecedented numbers as horrific wildfires devastate their pristine habitats.

Brazil fires: We are helping hundreds of wild animals in Pantanal area

News

This year the wildfires in Pantanal, Brazil – a globally important biome – have reached 261,000 hectares this year, exceeding the historical average. We are working with local partners to help and protect the lives of wild animals that are suffering.