Work

Three perspectives to integrate animal interests into the global Sustainable Development Agenda

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Including animal interests in sustainable development policies and practices is gaining attention as a strategy to address key sustainability challenges. However, practical frameworks and guidance for achieving this integration remain scarce. This paper analyses how animal interests can be effectively incorporated into the global Sustainable Development Agenda by leveraging a variety of moral perspectives. It explores the challenges and opportunities of reconciling anthropocentric, sentientistic, and ecocentric viewpoints and advocates for a holistic approach that acknowledges the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental well-being. Despite inherent conflicts and limitations, the study argues that meaningful integration requires dialogue, compromise, and policy solutions that balance moral considerations with practical feasibility. By assessing the strengths, limitations, and synergies of these perspectives, this paper offers a theoretical foundation to inform policy development and guide future research on integrating animal interests into sustainability frameworks.

Source: Sustainability Science

DOI: 10.1007/s11625-025-01679-7

Authors: Natalie Herdoiza, Ernst Worrell, Floris van den Berg

Institution: Utrecht University

Language: English

Topic: Animal Law and Welfare

Subfield: Law

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,890

Funder: Universiteit Utrecht