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An interview with Peter Singer discussing ethical eating habits is featured in a publication called EcoWatch, which was established in Ohio in 2005. EcoWatch focuses on sharing reliable and scientific information about environmental topics, including problems, reasons, and ways to solve them.

The choices humans make in their diets have a significant impact on the planet and its inhabitants, especially in terms of animal welfare and the environment.

In 2022, over 82 billion animals raised for meat were killed worldwide, with most coming from factory farms. Along with significant concerns for animal well-being, animal farming is believed to contribute to approximately 11% to 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Taking everything into account, which diet is considered the most ethical? Utilitarian moral philosopher Peter Singer believes it is one that excludes or minimizes the consumption of animal products.

Singer is a highly respected philosopher who is known for his groundbreaking book, Animal Liberation, which brought attention to animal ethics. He argues that since animals can experience suffering, we have a moral obligation not to harm them for our benefit, especially in industries like factory farming where animals are subjected to terrible conditions.

Peter Singer was photographed at his workplace in Princeton University on September 22, 2022 by Derek Goodwin Photography.

Recently, he released a new and updated edition called Animal Liberation Now, shedding light on the harsh living conditions that billions of animals are currently facing.

I recently had the opportunity to talk with Singer about speciesism, the practices of factory farming, and ways to follow an ethical diet.

Many people consider you to be the pioneer of animal rights or animal liberation. Can you explain why you believe in the importance of animal liberation?

The argument for the animal liberation movement is that it is unjustifiable to ignore or dismiss the interests of beings just because they are not human. The term "speciesism" is used to describe this concept, drawing parallels to other forms of discrimination like racism and sexism. While these analogies are not perfect, they all involve a dominant group creating ideologies to justify exploiting a marginalized group – whether it be nonwhites, women, or nonhuman animals. This exploitation is harmful to the marginalized group, but benefits the dominant group.

I believe that the species of an animal should not determine how much suffering they experience. The important factor is the level and type of suffering they endure, which can be compared to human suffering. It is clear that we often cause unnecessary suffering to animals with little to no benefit to ourselves. This goes against the principle of considering similar interests equally, regardless of species. Therefore, many of the actions we take towards animals are unjustifiable, making a case for animal liberation and equal consideration of similar interests across different species.

Is it a good idea for everyone to adopt a vegan or

I believe that in most cases, it is not necessary to consume animal products if a person has access to a healthy, well-balanced diet without them. This is especially true if the animal products come from commercial farms that prioritize profit over the well-being of the animals. In those situations, it is best to avoid consuming those products.

As I mentioned, there are different situations where individuals who cannot meet their nutritional needs without consuming animal products have a greater challenge. In cases where animal products are not sourced from ethical and humane sources, there should be additional consideration. However, my argument applies to a large portion of the global population, which is significant enough to prompt change.

The book Animal Liberation was originally released in 1975, and an updated version titled Animal Liberation Now was published in May 2023. Over the years, there have been significant changes in factory farming practices and animal welfare. What are some of the most notable changes since 1975, and what prompted you to release a revised edition of Animal Liberation?

There have been significant changes to the book, making it essentially a new version rather than just an updated one, with about half of the content being new. While the philosophical arguments remain strong, the chapters focusing on animal research and factory farm conditions had to be completely rewritten. Additional topics like climate change and the progress of the animal rights movement have been included in the new edition. Ethical questions surrounding animals have become more prominent in recent years, with a significant amount of literature now addressing these issues. Furthermore, there is more research supporting the idea of animal sentience, particularly for fish, octopuses, and crustaceans like lobsters. This science has solidified and expanded the understanding of animal consciousness.

Peter Singer was photographed with an earlier edition of Animal Liberation on September 22, 2022, by Derek Goodwin Photography.

When it comes to the most important changes in factory farming, there have been both positive and negative advancements. Regulations have improved in some places, such as the European Union and certain states in the U.S., like California. However, the chicken industry has seen negative changes, as chickens are now bred to grow even faster, leading to skeletal issues and difficulty bearing their weight. Chickens are slaughtered at a young age, around six weeks old, when their legs are not strong enough to support their rapid growth. These new developments have made factory farming even more problematic in certain aspects.

You identify as a flexible vegan, which suggests that you may be open to some flexibility in maintaining an ethical diet.

I base my ethics on the idea of looking at the outcomes of my actions, rather than following strict rules. Unlike someone who follows religious dietary restrictions like only eating halal or kosher meat, my decision to be vegan stems from not wanting to support industries that mistreat animals. While I mostly avoid animal products in my everyday shopping, I may make exceptions when traveling or in social situations where it would be difficult to find vegan options. In these cases, I may opt for vegetarian instead of vegan choices to be more flexible.

For individuals who understand the inhumane practices of factory farms and the environmental impact they have, as well as the environmental impact of organic animal farms, but are not yet willing to adopt a vegan or vegetarian diet, how can they make more ethical food choices?

It is important to avoid factory farmed products as they are the main source of suffering for nonhuman animals. In more affluent countries like the United States, eggs from pasture-raised hens may be a more acceptable option. Look for farms where hens are able to roam outside, exercise, and engage in natural behaviors like dust bathing and chasing insects. While these hens will still be killed prematurely and male chicks may be culled, it is a better option than products from animals kept indoors in crowded conditions. Start by finding eggs from pasture-raised hens as a first step.

After this point, the situation becomes more challenging. Some individuals may argue for the consumption of dairy products from organically raised cows that are allowed to graze outdoors. While this may be better for animal welfare, it is not as beneficial for the environment due to the methane emissions from cows. Even if the cows are on grass, their methane output is still a concern. In some cases, studies suggest that grass-fed beef may actually have higher methane emissions compared to grain-fed beef, as the cows put on weight more slowly. This poses a dilemma for those looking to make more sustainable choices. However, for individuals who feel they cannot completely give up these products, consuming small amounts of grass-fed or pasture-raised dairy or beef may be a step in the right direction.

I heard that you have recently taken a break from teaching at Princeton. Can you tell me what your plans are for the future?

Yes, that's correct, I recently finished teaching my last semester at Princeton University. However, I have many opportunities to write, speak, and give interviews. I have also been offered visiting positions in different parts of the world, with my first likely being in Singapore for about a month in 2024. I am also considering speaking engagements in Europe and possibly in Asia. Overall, I have a busy schedule ahead of me.

I have asked all the questions I had planned, but is there anything else you would like to share? Is there something important that we haven't discussed that you would like to mention?

I have a strong interest in bioethics that goes beyond what we have discussed. I am involved with The Life You Can Save organization, which aims to promote donating to effective charities that help those in extreme poverty. For more information on my work with the organization, you can visit my website petersinger.info or check out thelifeyoucansave.org where you can access a free digital or audio copy of my book The Life You Can Save and learn more about my efforts to assist people in extreme poverty.

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