The Dublin Declaration of Scientists on the Societal Role of Livestock and the Denver Call for Action

Dublin Declaration of Scientists on the Societal Role of Livestock


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The Dublin Declaration (2022)


The Dublin Declaration of Scientists on the Societal Role of Livestock was published in 2022 and has since been signed by more than 1,200 scientists. It serves as an expression of concern from a broad consortium of scientific experts, asking to recognize the irreplaceable role and intrinsic value of animals in the food system and to be very cautious about hyperbolic yet increasingly aggressive pleas to decimate or even eliminate animal source foods from human diets.

"Livestock systems must progress on the basis of the highest scientific standards. They are too precious to society to become the victim of simplification, reductionism or zealotry. These systems must continue to be embedded in and have broad approval of society. For that, scientists are asked to provide reliable evidence of their nutrition and health benefits, environmental sustainability, socio-cultural and economic values, as well as for solutions for the many improvements that are needed. The Dublin Declaration aims to give voice to the many scientists around the world who research diligently, honestly and successfully in the various disciplines in order to achieve a balanced view of the future of animal agriculture."

The Denver Call for Action (2024)


Two years after the Dublin Declaration was published, renewed urgency led to the Denver Call for Action, authored and signed by 45 senior scientists. It was addressed at policymakers worldwide and consisted of three parts, namely a call for 1) nourishment-oriented policy, 2) recognition of system complexities in livestock and ecology, and 3) high standards of evidence and respect for science.

The Denver Call for Action underlined that “meeting the massive challenge of nourishing global populations, while minimizing environmental harm, will only be achieved through the transparent application of the scientific method, steering clear of hubris, presumptuousness, and dogma”.

More information on the Declaration and Call

  • Read/sign the Declaration (endorsed by >1200 scientists)
  • Read the Call for Action (authored by 45 senior scientists)
  • Watch the presentations from the Dublin Summit (2022)
  • Watch the presentations from the Denver Summit (2024)
  • Read the Special Issue with the Dublin Summit articles
  • Read the Special Issue with the Denver Summit articles
  • Read the commentary on the Declaration in Nature Food
  • Read the response to criticism and unjustified accusations