Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret

A 2014 American documentary film directed by Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn explores the impact of animal agriculture on the environment, addressing issues such as climate change, water usage, deforestation, and the creation of ocean "dead zones." The film also examines the policies of major environmental organizations, including Greenpeace, Sierra Club, Surfrider Foundation, Rainforest Action Network, and Oceana, regarding these issues. Throughout their investigation, the filmmakers discover that many of these organizations avoid discussing the environmental impact of animal agriculture, despite its significant contribution to global ecological problems. The documentary features interviews with various experts and activists, including physician Michael Klaper, former rancher and activist Howard Lyman, author and journalist Michael Pollan, journalist Will Potter, among others. "Cowspiracy" raises questions about the transparency of environmental organizations and encourages viewers to consider the impact of their dietary choices on the planet. International festivals took notice. The 2015 South African Eco Film Festival handed it the Audience Choice Award, while the Festival de films de Portneuf sur l'environnement, in its 12th annual edition, gave it the Best Foreign Film Award. However, some critics dispute the film's claims that animal agriculture is the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions, pointing to lower estimates in other scientific studies.