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World Without Cows Supporters’ Action Guide

Turn curiosity into action — and help broaden the conversation

Explore

World Without Cows Supporters’ Action Guide

Turn curiosity into action — and help broaden the conversation

Welcome to the movement

World Without Cows explores the complexity behind a seemingly simple question: “Are we better off in a world without cows?”

Through interviews with those on the front lines of agriculture and science, the documentary takes viewers on a global journey to deepen their understanding of everything cows contribute and what the world might look like without them.

This toolkit is designed to help you share the documentary’s message, spark meaningful discussions and take action in your own way. Whether you’re a student, educator, farmer, food enthusiast or sustainability advocate, there’s a place for you in this global conversation.

World Without Cows Supporters' Action Guide

Why it matters

Conversations about the cultural, social, economic, nutritional and environmental impact of cows are often shaped by headlines and assumptions rather than facts. World Without Cows challenges these narratives to spark deeper, more informed dialogue.

But the key to meaningful conversations isn’t just knowing the facts — it’s using your voice, your reflections and the connections you make with others. The ideas in this toolkit are a foundation, but it is your authenticity and curiosity on the topics explored in World Without Cows that will bring the story to life.

Together, we can open the door to conversations that create change, and to create space for others to consider what’s truly at stake when we ask: Are we better off in a world without cows?

In this guide

6 ways to support World Without Cows right now

→ How to follow us on social media

→ Social media discussion ideas

→ What Michelle and Brandon learned on their global journey

→ Start science-led discussions

→ 5 things everyone should know about cows

→ Bring World Without Cows to your community

→ Expand your knowledge

→ Content to explore and share

→ Join us on the journey

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Michelle Michael and Brandon Whitworth traveled to over 40 locations worldwide to talk to those on the front lines of agriculture and science. Their documentary, World Without Cows, examines the cultural and economic significance of cows, their role in feeding the world and their impact on the environment.

6 ways to support World Without Cows right now

  1. Sign up
    for updates about screenings, film festivals and other exciting developments. Click here.
  2. Explore
    our blogs, videos, podcasts and other content that dives deeper into the issues explored in the documentary.
  3. Host a private screening
     in your school, workplace or community. Submit a screening request.
  4. Share the message
     on social media. Tag @WorldWithoutCows and use #WorldWithoutCows.
  5. Contribute
    to Planet of Plenty LLC to help expand the documentary’s reach and support new science-led agricultural storytelling initiatives. 
  6. Start the conversation.
    Share your perspective on the themes discussed in the documentary in a way that feels meaningful and authentic to you. Encourage discussion by asking: “What would a world without cows look like?” or “Would we be better off in a world without cows?”

Share the story, spark change

Follow us on social media

@WorldWithoutCows


Michelle Michael: @farmfilmmaker


Brandon Whitworth: @theagstoryteller


Tag us and others

  • Tag @WorldWithoutCows in your posts. We want to hear your perspective!
  • Use our official hashtag #WorldWithoutCows to help expand our reach.
  • If you refer to your farm, business, organization or employer, tag them in your post so your colleagues can share your content as well.
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Use our hashtag

  • Hashtags help expand the reach of your content to a bigger audience, as well as help us keep up with your content.
  • Official hashtag: #WorldWithoutCows 


Share your story

Whether the role of cows in our world has touched your life personally or if the film sparked your curiosity about their impact, we want to know why this conversation is important to you. Share your perspective in a way that is meaningful and authentic.

  • Share content that resonates with you, showing how the documentary has inspired you or shaped your understanding of sustainability, agriculture or nutrition.
  • Encourage your network to weigh in on the conversation by asking: “What would a world without cows look like?” or “Would we be better off in a world without cows?”

Share the World Without Cows trailer

Social media discussion ideas

To help you get started, we’ve included a few sample social media posts about some of the themes explored in World Without Cows. While these examples provide a foundation, we encourage you to give each post your own personal spin — sharing your voice, perspective, and story. Just as the documentary was shaped by diverse and global voices, we believe the dialogue it sparks will be enriched by the unique insights and experiences of people like YOU.

General awareness

Sample captions:

  • What do you think: Would we be better off in a World Without Cows? Get ready to think twice about the role cows play in our lives. #WorldWithoutCows
  • Not many people stop to think about all the things cows contribute to the world. From life-saving medications to the leather seats and the food on our plates, cows have played a surprisingly vital role in shaping life on our planet. But what if they were gone? That’s the big question behind the documentary #WorldWithoutCows. Check out this behind-the-scenes look at the filmmakers’ global journey to find out: Are we better off in a world without cows?


Environmental impact

Sample captions:

  • Did you know? Farms with cows can be not only carbon-neutral but net positive in terms of sequestering greenhouse gases? Follow #WorldWithoutCows to learn more about how agriculture can become a climate solution.
  • Could agriculture be the key to a carbon-negative future? Learn how sustainable farming practices could help reverse climate change by 2050. Read the full article and join the #WorldWithoutCows movement.


Feeding the world

Sample caption:

  • Ever thought about where your food really comes from? With the world racing toward 10 billion people by 2050, finding sustainable ways to feed everyone is a big deal. And believe it or not, cows are a huge part of the solution. They provide essential nutrients — like protein, iron, and B12 — that many people simply can’t get elsewhere. Food security isn’t just about having enough to eat; it’s about making sure people get the right nutrition, too. Let’s talk about it. #FoodForTheFuture #WorldWithoutCows

Share our behind-the-scenes video

Key findings

What did Michelle and Brandon learn on their global journey?​

Through conversations with experts in environmental and agricultural science, award-winning journalists Michelle Michael and Brandon Whitworth examined the cultural, economic, nutritional and environmental impact of cows around the world — and the possible repercussions of their absence.

What they found was far from simple: When it comes to cows, it’s not black and white.

World Without Cows invites viewers to join their global journey of discovery, seeing cows in diverse contexts, learning from a range of perspectives, and understanding the nuance and complexity of answers.

In their search for the facts behind often-oversimplified debates, Michelle and Brandon discovered that:

1. Humanity has a profound reliance on cows.

We share the planet with 1.5 billion cows. That’s one cow for every five of us.

Cows provide livelihoods for an estimated 800 million people worldwide (1 in 10 people), supporting economies and communities across the globe. The estimated global market value of cattle and associated industries is approximately $1 trillion USD.

Rural communities around the world depend on cows for survival. For the 2 million members of the Maasai tribe in Kenya, for example, cows are more than a source of income and food — they’re a lifeline, deeply tied to their identity, survival and heritage.

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2. Cows play a key role in meeting the challenges of nourishing our rapidly expanding global population.

By 2050, the world will need to feed nearly 10 billion people. To meet the needs of a growing global population, farmers will need to produce as much food in the next 30–40 years as we have in the past 10,000 years. With nearly 50% of countries already facing protein insecurity, the challenge isn’t just about the future — we’re confronting a global nutrition crisis, right now.

3. Cows provide protein and other essential nutrients that are vital for human health.

Animal-sourced foods are an essential source of vital nutrients that cannot easily be obtained from plant-based foods, according to the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization. Billions of people rely on these animal-sourced foods, particularly in developing nations where alternative sources aren’t always accessible or affordable. While plant-based diets work for some, eliminating animal protein altogether could lead to unintended consequences for human health, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with limited food security.

4. The relationship between cows and the environment is complex.

While cows account for 5–7% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, grazing lands can store more carbon than cows emit, as seen at Buck Island Ranch in Florida. The ability of soil to store carbon is one important part of cows’ overall environmental footprint, which many experts agree is a crucial weapon in the battle against climate change.

Check out all the facts from the film and download our key findings guide at worldwithoutcows.com/facts.

Family, farm and cattle with a girl and father walking on a field or grass meadow in the agricultural industry. Agriculture, sustainability and farming with a man farmer and daughter tending the cows.

Start science-led discussions

At the heart of World Without Cows is the belief that we have the opportunity to shape a positive future for our planet — one in which plants, animals and people thrive. But it begins with the courage to have bigger, broader conversations. Here are a few ways to keep the conversation going — with your family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, peers and communities.

Ask open-ended questions.

  • What do you think would happen if there were no cows?
  • Would we be better off in a world without cows
  • What do cows contribute to our lives and land


Don’t be afraid to dig deeper.

  • How would removing cows impact the livelihoods of the 800 million people who depend on them?
  • Can vegan and vegetarian proteins provide the same essential nutrients found in meat and dairy, especially in vulnerable communities?
  • How do well-managed grazing systems help store carbon and support biodiversity?


Keep conversations grounded by science — and by what matters to you.

  • Anchor your conversations in scientific facts while connecting them to what matters most to you — whether it’s food choices, environmental concerns or personal values.
  • Refer to credible research and insights from the documentary, but don’t be afraid to share why these topics resonate with you personally. Find resources at com/facts.
  • Remember: A balance of evidence and personal meaning will help create authentic, impactful discussions that inspire others to do the same.


Listen actively to communicate better.

  • Good communication begins with seeking to understand the perspective of the person or group with whom you are engaging.
  • Take the time to listen — you’ll be better able to communicate in a relevant and meaningful manner.


Be curious, not confrontational.

  • Through World Without Cows, we aim to spark curiosity and create meaningful dialogue around cows and the health of people and our planet. Under no circumstances is the goal to point fingers or place blame.
  • Before engaging in dialogue — whether that’s in-person or via social media — consider who you’re interacting with. Are you engaging with someone who is open to meaningful discussion and differing perspectives? Is this person willing to engage in a true exploration of the issues?
  • Prioritize platforms for discussion where constructive dialogue is possible and be mindful of with whom you choose to engage.


Acknowledge the complexity.

  • Recognize that when it comes to cows, it’s not black and white.
  • Conversations around the cultural, economic, nutritional and environmental impact of cows are nuanced and warrant deeper reflection.


Stay open to growth.

  • It’s okay to change your mind as you learn more about the complexities of cows and the ways they impact our world.
  • Learning new things and reconsidering your own perspectives is central to our growth as individuals. Embracing this mindset can help others do the same.


Shine a light on the progress that’s being made.

    • Share the stories of sustainability and agriculture that are making a positive difference in the global food system. While we can all agree we have more to improve, focusing on progress can motivate others to stay engaged in the conversation. You can find some of these stories at worldwithoutcows.com/explore.
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5 things everyone should know about cows

  1. Cows play a major role in global food security — removing them could make nutrition less accessible for billions.
    • Why? Research shows that livestock account for about 33% of human protein consumption and 17% of total calories. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), nutrient-rich foods like beef and dairy play an essential role in reducing levels of malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable populations such as low-income rural women and children.
  2. Grazing cows promote healthy soil, which can store more carbon than land without grazing animals.
    • Why? Studies show that well-managed grazing can improve soil structure and increase soil carbon storage, potentially offsetting significant amounts of greenhouse gases and supporting long-term carbon sequestration.
  3. Cows upcycle inedible plants and food waste into nutrient-rich meat and milk that’s eaten by people, while also reducing waste.
    • Why? A global analysis has estimated that 86% of livestock feed is inedible by humans. 
    • Cows transform grasses and other materials that humans cannot eat into the food we need, effectively utilizing land that cannot grow food for direct human consumption. This is known as upcycling. Cows also consume byproducts from the processing of human food — and they eat grocery waste, like surplus or expired bakery products, vegetable waste and more.
  4. Dairy and meat provide essential nutrients that are difficult to replace entirely, especially within vulnerable communities.
    • Why? Multiple studies have shown that foods like meat and milk are rich in bioavailable nutrients that are difficult to replace in many diets, without supplementation. For example, vitamin B12 is only available from animal sources.
  5. Getting rid of cows is not the answer. Coming together to support farmers and help agriculture become a climate solution
    • Why? Climate research emphasizes that sustainable farming can play a key role in reducing methane emissions from cows, but farmers need continued support to implement the tools, technologies and strategies needed to drive change.

Bring World Without Cows to your community

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Ways to help expand our reach:

  • Request to host a screening of the documentary in your local community, workplace or school. When possible, plan discussions with the filmmakers or others involved in the documentary.
  • Organize a panel discussion or Q&A event featuring local farmers, nutritionists, environmental experts, or educators. Contact Niamh McNally to learn more.
  • Ask local schools and universities to integrate World Without Cows into environmental science, agriculture or nutrition courses.
  • Write a blog post or op-ed about the topics that resonate with you.
    • Get inspired by checking out our blog.
    • Share your personal reflections on the documentary and its key takeaways in your local newspaper, blogs or community newsletters.

Expand your knowledge

World Without Cows explores the cultural and economic significance of cows, their role in feeding the world, and their impact on the environment. Here are a few facts from the film to help you tell the story.

Food security and nutrition
  • 9.8 billion — The projected global population by 2050.
  • 2/3 of the world’s agricultural land isn’t suitable for crops but can be used for grazing cattle, helping to maximize food production.
  • 40 years — We have to produce as much food as humans made in the last 10,000 years in the next 40.
  • 50% of countries around the world face protein insecurity, making nutrient-dense foods like meat and milk essential.
  • 3 billion people live in Africa today, and that number will double in the next 30 years, increasing the need for sustainable food systems globally.
  • 189 million people in India are malnourished, even though it’s the world’s largest producer of milk.
  • 3 kids vs. 17 kids — The amount of corn it takes to feed 3 children directly can feed 17 when processed through a cow, thanks to cows’ ability to upcycle nutrients.

Environmental impact

  • 2°C warmer — That’s how much Earth’s temperature has risen since pre-industrial times, with 1.5°C projected by 2040 if current trends continue.
  • 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from cows, while 78% come from fossil fuels.
  • 25–28x more potent — Methane traps heat more effectively than carbon dioxide, but its short lifespan means its long-term climate impact is different.
  • 12 years — The lifespan of methane in the atmosphere before it breaks down into carbon dioxide and water vapor, compared to centuries for carbon dioxide.
  • 30% of global methane emissions come from enteric fermentation, the natural digestive process in cows and other ruminant animals like sheep, goats, and bison.
  • Biogenic carbon cycle — Methane from cows is part of a natural loop where plants absorb CO₂, cows release methane as they digest plants, and that methane eventually converts back to CO₂, which plants reabsorb.
  • 3% reduction in emissions — The potential impact of Meatless Monday across the U.S., compared to 2.6% of the entire country went vegan.

Content to explore and share

Join us on the journey

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Solutions are well within reach.

We have the science and technology to feed the world, reduce our environmental impact, and make agriculture more climate-resilient. The question is: How can we ensure that global progress is made?

The answer lies in collective action. It’s in the choices we make as consumers, the innovations driven by farmers and scientists, and the conversations we spark within our communities. World Without Cows isn’t just a documentary — it’s an invitation to think critically and have conversations that can drive lasting change.

Progress is already happening. And by working together, we can build a future where agriculture not only sustains us, but also helps restore the health of our planet. We have the tools. Now, it’s up to us to use them.

If World Without Cows makes you think differently about cows, food systems, nutrition and sustainability, don’t stop there. Keep the conversation going and be part of our global movement.

help us start the conversation.

As climate change intensifies and the world’s population continues to grow, the pressure on our global food production system mounts. You can play an active role in shaping a more sustainable planet for future generations. Fill out the form below to learn more about how you can partner with us.

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