Futures

Exploring the Future of Animal Wellbeing: Insights from The Wilberforce Report 2050, (from page 20250413d.)

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Keywords

Themes

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Summary

The Wilberforce Report analyzes the future of animal wellbeing by 2050, recognizing the shifting relationship between society and animals since the RSPCA’s founding in 1824. As the UK has become a nation of animal lovers, various challenges such as climate change, technological advancements, and food system issues will influence this relationship moving forward. The report does not aim to predict the future but creates five scenarios through collaborative input from diverse stakeholders, illustrating potential outcomes. These scenarios include ‘Tech-centric’, ‘One Planet’, ‘Blinkered World’, ‘Eco Carnage’, and a ‘Wildcard Scenario: Animals Speak Up’, each highlighting different pathways for animal wellbeing amidst uncertainties.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Tech-centric Approach Aggressive application of technology seen as a solution, risking animal welfare and natural capital. Shift from viewing animals as companions to seeing them as assets and inputs. In 10 years, technology may dominate animal welfare discussions, reducing empathy and connection with animals. A focus on technological solutions to societal problems may overshadow ethical considerations of animal wellbeing. 4
One Planet Transition Central role of animal wellbeing, biodiversity, and sustainability in combating climate change. Shift towards integrating animal welfare in climate strategies, emphasizing a protein transition. By 2033, animal welfare may be inherently linked to mainstream sustainability efforts and food systems. The growing urgency of climate change is driving a more holistic view of animal welfare and biodiversity. 5
Nostalgic Public Sentiment Public romanticizes the past while ignoring current animal welfare issues, masking exploitation. Transition from critical animal welfare reform to a focus on nostalgia and romanticism about the past. In a decade, public support might still exist but could fail to address systemic animal welfare issues. Nostalgia can drive public sentiment that overshadows pressing current welfare challenges. 3
Eco Carnage Scenario Inward-looking politics leads to neglect of animal wellbeing due to food sovereignty concerns. Shift from global animal welfare considerations to nationalistic food security perspectives. Animal welfare may be deprioritized as survival and sovereignty take precedence in policy discussions. Political instability and survival instincts become more prominent than ethical treatment of animals. 4
Animals Speak Up Wildcard Unexpected triggers radically shift public attitudes towards animal wellbeing as a priority. A dramatic change in perception towards animals from indifference to a central concern in society. In 10 years, active public discourse around animal rights and welfare may emerge unexpectedly. Emerging crises or events could catalyze a significant shift in societal perceptions of animals and rights. 5

Concerns

name description
Technological Disconnection Increased reliance on technology may lead to human disconnection from animals and reduced empathy towards their wellbeing.
Exploitation under Nostalgia High public support for animals may overshadow underlying exploitation, masking serious welfare issues.
Environmental Collapse Failure to address climate change and its impact on food systems could exacerbate animal suffering and biodiversity loss.
Public Sentiment volatility Unexpected triggers can rapidly shift public attitudes towards animal welfare, leading to potential inconsistencies in policy and practice.
Ineffective Political Response Geopolitically defensive politics may lead to neglect of animal wellbeing amidst societal struggles and food sovereignty issues.
Sustainability or Exploitation Dilemma The challenge of balancing animal wellbeing with sustainability initiatives may prompt ethical dilemmas in food systems.

Behaviors

name description
Tech-centric Approach Society increasingly relies on technology to address problems, treating animals and natural resources merely as inputs rather than stakeholders in solutions.
One Planet Perspective A holistic view of animal wellbeing, biodiversity, and sustainability becoming central to mitigate climate change, especially concerning food systems.
Nostalgic Romanticism In the face of current challenges, society exhibits a yearning for the past while neglecting ongoing exploitation of animals.
Geopolitically Defensive Attitudes Political climates become inward-looking, minimizing concern for animal wellbeing as survival and food sovereignty take precedence.
Public Concern Shift An unexpected event catalyzes a dramatic shift in public attitudes towards animal wellbeing, making it a priority topic.

Technologies

name description
Tech-centric Solutions Using technology aggressively to solve societal problems at the cost of animal and natural capital.
Protein Transition A shift towards sustainable food production methods prioritizing biodiversity and animal wellbeing in response to climate change.
Nostalgia for Past Values A societal trend where people romanticize the past, affecting public attitudes towards animal rights and technology adoption.
Geopolitical Defensiveness Inward-looking politics impacting attitudes towards animals, underlining issues of food sovereignty and survival.
Public Trigger for Animal Advocacy An unexpected event leading to a significant shift in public attitudes towards animal welfare and wellbeing.

Issues

name description
Technological Disconnection The aggressive use of technology in solving societal issues may lead to increased disconnection from animals and nature.
Climate Change and Animal Welfare The interplay between climate change and animal wellbeing becomes central to food systems and biodiversity.
Nostalgic Exploitation of Animals Amidst difficult conditions, while public support for animals rises, exploitation may persist under a romanticized view of the past.
Inward Politics and Food Sovereignty A global failure to address key issues could drive inward-looking politics, impacting attitudes towards animal welfare based on survival needs.
Radical Public Concern Unexpected societal changes could lead to animal welfare becoming a primary public concern, shifting attitudes dramatically.