Abstract
The Dublin Declaration of Scientists on the Societal Role of Livestock (2023) emerged from the International Summit on the Societal Role of Meat, held in Dublin, Ireland, in October 2022. Over 1,200 global scientists have endorsed the declaration, emphasizing the importance of basing livestock systems on robust and objective scientific evidence. The Declaration stresses that livestock systems should be assessed holistically, considering their contributions to human nutritional health, environmental health, socio-cultural considerations, and economic contributions. It expresses concern about radical, unscientific interventions and calls for balanced, evidence-based policies in global food systems. Building on the Dublin Declaration, the Denver Call for Action (2025), issued at a follow-up summit in October 2024, urges policymakers, media, and business leaders to align their actions with objective scientific evidence. The Denver document emphasizes the necessity for policies that integrate a comprehensive view of science, urging that scientific discourse, free from bias, be the foundation of decision-making. It recognizes the risks posed by politicizing science but asserts that scientific transparency is crucial for gaining public trust. The result of the October 2024 meeting was an Animal Frontiers special issue of peer-reviewed contributions. That special issue highlights the growing influence of dietary advice and its complexities. It critiques the EAT-Lancet Commission’s Planetary Health Diet, arguing that it oversimplifies the issue of nutrition by focusing on individual responsibility and ignoring the socio-cultural and economic factors at play. In response, the Nourishment Table framework proposes a more inclusive approach to nutrition, promoting food sovereignty and respect for cultural practices while focusing on food variety and balance. Further contributions to the special issue address the ecological impact of livestock. There is growing concern over the environmental effects of livestock farming, particularly regarding methane emissions, and calls for a paradigm shift in managing livestock for ecological benefits. Studies highlight the importance of well-managed grazing herds for soil health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. However, radical reductionist policies targeting livestock could harm food security and raise costs for consumers. The special issue also explores the potential for technological advances in livestock production to address sustainability and food security challenges. However, legislative and regulatory obstacles often limit the implementation of these technologies. Ethical considerations regarding animal welfare and environmental responsibility are central to the debate, underscoring the need for more transparent, effective communication between scientists and the public. Ultimately, the special issue argues for a balanced, science-based approach to food systems, emphasizing the role of livestock in global nutrition and sustainability.