This recent book by Will Anderson
offers a devastating critique of the human impact on animals and the
biosphere. Using careful arguments and references, the author leaves
no room for half measures: we must rapidly wind down animal
agriculture, hunting, fishing and all other unnecessary uses of
animals. This will allow ecosystems to begin to recover from the
downward spiral that has been caused by animal agriculture and human
predation.
This is an ambitious book spanning a
number of topics. Although there is detailed discussion around
preserving and restoring ecosystems, the author also emphasises the
suffering that individual animals endure at the hands of humans, and
asks us to develop more empathy for sentient beings.
There is a consideration of traditional
hunting cultures, so often given as an excuse by others not to embark
on becoming vegan. There are many nuances to this issue that Anderson
covers very well. The author also criticises international aid
organisations for promoting livestock agriculture as a way out of
poverty.
Anderson is particularly critical of
the boutique (locavore) animal farming movement, pointing out that it
is steeped in green-washing, and what he calls “humane washing” –
creating an impression of care for animals, whilst cruelty is at the
heart of it all.
People who are already vegan don't get
a free pass either – everyone must look deeply into their purchases to ensure they use resources wisely, are fair trade and cruelty
free. It is argued that everyone is effectively a predator through
the purchases we make and the space that we take up. We need to be
aware of this and minimise the harm caused. In addition, there needs
to be a global population decline.
The author concludes with a hopeful
prescription of 7 things that must necessarily develop in order for
the planet to have a future. These are all things that individuals
can implement in their daily lives, central to which is a vegan
lifestyle. After all the bad news there is optimism for change. We
get the impression that the world of the future will look very
different from what it is now.
The e-book version has hyperlinked end
notes so that further reading can be undertaken if desired. There is
a wealth of information in these references. I hope one day the book
will be translated into other languages.
