Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg Ambitious goals for reducing animal suffering (with Jeff Sebo)
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Jan 21, 2026 
In a thought-provoking conversation, Jeff Sebo, an NYU philosopher and director focusing on animal and environmental ethics, explores bold strategies to tackle industrial animal agriculture. He proposes a global ban by 2050, debates the balance of price, culture, and consumer choices in dietary shifts, and addresses the complexities of aligning ethics with everyday behavior. Sebo also touches on the pressing need for attention to wild animal welfare and the ethical implications of AI, urging proactive measures to shape a compassionate future.
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Global Ban On Industrial Animal Agriculture
- Jeff Sebo argues for a global ban on industrial animal agriculture by 2050 to reduce massive harms across welfare, public health, and environment.
- He frames a phased transition to plant-based systems as both necessary and aligned with climate and biodiversity goals.
Small Farms Carved Out Of The Ban
- The proposal allows small-scale extensive farms while banning intensive and large-scale extensive systems causing most harms.
- This carve-out recognizes low-income countries' reliance on small farms and leaves those debates for later.
Use A Systems Approach To Phase Down Farming
- Implement a systems approach mixing informational, financial, regulatory, and just-transition policies to phase down industrial animal agriculture.
- Invest in R&D, subsidies for alternatives, and transition support for farmers and workers to shift production and consumption.
