The sheer scale of factory farming can feel overwhelming. Billions of animals suffer every year in unimaginable conditions. It's easy to feel like our efforts are just a drop in the ocean. But what if I told you that we have a realistic chance of ending this system within our lifetimes? This isn't wishful thinking. It's a grounded assessment based on the convergence of exponential forces: the rapid growth of the animal advocacy movement, the acceleration of technological innovation, and the strategic application of systems-level thinking.

The Challenge of Ending Factory Farming

While most animal advocates would agree that ending factory farming is the ultimate goal, few believe it's achievable in their lifetime. The scale of animal agriculture is vast, and progress often feels slow and incremental. We see encouraging signs – more vegan options in restaurants, corporate welfare commitments, legislative bans on certain cruel practices – but the total number of animals raised and slaughtered for food continues to rise. This can lead to a sense of despair and the belief that real change is generations away.

The Power of Exponential Growth

This pessimistic outlook is often rooted in "linear thinking" – the tendency to extrapolate from the past and assume the future will unfold at the same pace. But history shows us that social change rarely follows a linear trajectory. Instead, it often follows an S-curve pattern:

• Initial Slow Growth: The movement struggles to gain traction, awareness is low, and progress is incremental. This phase can last for years, even decades, leading to frustration and disillusionment.
• Rapid Exponential Growth: A tipping point is reached, public awareness explodes, and change accelerates dramatically. This is where social norms shift and seemingly impossible goals become reality. Think of the sudden collapse of the Berlin Wall or the rapid legalization of gay marriage.
• Plateau and Consolidation: The movement reaches a point of saturation, and the focus shifts to consolidating gains and ensuring long-term sustainability.

The movement to end factory farming is showing all the signs of entering this exponential growth phase. Veganism is no longer a fringe concept. Plant-based options are becoming ubiquitous, even in fast-food chains. Alternative protein companies are attracting massive investment and making incredible breakthroughs. Public awareness of animal suffering is higher than ever.

Consider the following:

• The rise of veganism: Fifteen years ago, when I first went vegan, the concept was practically unheard of. Finding vegan options in restaurants was a rare occurrence. Today, veganism is a mainstream topic of conversation. Almost every restaurant offers plant-based options. Supermarkets have entire sections dedicated to vegan products. This shift in consumer behavior is happening at an accelerating pace.
• The growth of the alternative protein industry: Just a few years ago, the idea of lab-grown meat was a fringe concept, something relegated to April Fools' jokes. Now, cultivated meat is a reality, with companies racing to bring these products to market. Similarly, plant-based meats have evolved from simple tofu-based concoctions to sophisticated products that mimic the taste and texture of animal flesh with remarkable accuracy. This rapid innovation is disrupting the food industry and creating viable alternatives to animal agriculture.
• Increased public awareness: Documentaries, social media campaigns, and investigative reporting have exposed the horrors of factory farming to a wider audience. People are increasingly aware of the ethical, environmental, and health implications of animal agriculture. This growing awareness is creating a fertile ground for change.

This exponential growth reflects how social movements, once they gain traction, can achieve their goals far more rapidly than anyone expected. To put it another way, it's much harder (and takes much longer) to go from 0 to 1 than it is to go from 1 to 100. If going from 0 to 1 took us 10 years, then going from 1 to 3 only took 5. We made twice the progress in half the time. 

If we think about this trend of exponential growth continuing mathematically, we should then expect to go from 3 to 7 in 2.5 years, 7 to 15 in 1.25 years, 15 to 31 in 0.75 years, 31 to 63 in 0.325 years and finally we reach 100 (animal liberation) within a total of less than 5 years from now.

To be clear, I don't think we will end factory farming within five years from now—that’s probably a bit too optimistic, even for me. My point here isn't to make an exact prediction, but to show the power of exponential growth. A single snowball can quickly turn into an avalanche once it moves past simply achieving or maintaining growth and reaches the point where its rate of growth is accelerating.

Harnessing the Power of Exponential Technologies

This rapid progress isn't limited to social movements. We are living in an era of unprecedented technological advancement, and this too is happening exponentially. Artificial intelligence, in particular, has the potential to revolutionize animal advocacy. 

We already know that current AI systems are more persuasive than the average human being on political and social issues. As they continue to improve exponentially and we begin to apply them to our exponentially growing movement, the potential impact for animals cannot be overstated.

Imagine AI-powered systems that can:

• Hyper-personalize advocacy: Craft compelling messages tailored to specific audiences across languages and cultures. Imagine an AI system that can analyze data to identify the most persuasive arguments for different demographics, ethical frameworks, and psychological profiles. This could enable us to reach a far wider audience with targeted messages that resonate on a personal level.
• Identify and influence key stakeholders: Pinpoint the decision-makers, thought leaders, and influencers who can create the biggest impact. AI can analyze social networks, media coverage, and political landscapes to identify the individuals and institutions that are most critical to driving change. This allows us to focus our advocacy efforts where they will have the greatest leverage.
• Accelerate research and development: Analyze vast datasets to identify trends, predict outcomes, and optimize strategies for promoting plant-based diets and alternative proteins. AI can help us understand consumer behavior, identify market opportunities, and accelerate the development of new technologies that can replace animal agriculture. This could lead to breakthroughs in areas like cellular agriculture, plant-based food technology, and sustainable farming practices.
• Generate persuasive content: Create powerful stories, images, and videos that move people to action. AI can analyze emotional responses to different types of content and generate media that is specifically designed to evoke empathy, inspire action, and change hearts and minds.

This is not science fiction. These applications of AI are all entirely possible today with the technology we already have available, and they have the potential to revolutionize the fight to end factory farming. Imagine what else will be possible in 5 years from now.

Thinking at a Systems Level, Not an Individual One

We need to start thinking at a systems level, not merely an individual one. Sure, convincing anyone about the importance of ending factory farming will always have some positive impact, but convincing someone in a position of power will have much more, due to all the people they affect or influence. Convincing an individual to eat a vegan meal is great, but convincing a restaurant to start selling a new vegan meal is much better. Getting a non-vegan to become a vegan is certainly impactful, but getting a vegan to become an active and effective advocate for animals may be orders of magnitude more impactful.

But applying a systems-thinking approach goes beyond simply looking for the actions with the largest impacts. We have to consider how these actions affect each other as well. The best action isn't just the one with the largest impact, it's the one that enables an even wider range of future actions with larger impacts themselves. So how can we ensure every action not only has the largest possible impact, but also creates a world where the next action will have an even bigger one?

The Role of Artificial Intelligence

Let's take the example of convincing a restaurant to sell more vegan options.

If we automate this through email outreach with AI, then use AI to track and analyse the responses, it can uncover for itself the patterns behind successful and non successful outreach attempts. Then, it can use that information to improve it's outreach, which gives it more data to analyse to improve itself further and the cycle of improvement continues. 

Meanwhile, the same patterns it learns for personalised predictions can be extended to any other possible campaign target, such as politicians, financial institutions, celebrities, influencers and more. As the system self improves and expands its outreach, it simultaneously becomes more powerful and cheaper to run due to decreasing the time to get a successful response (as it has to do less revisions and research to succeed in its outreach). 

Freeing up this time that animal advocates would usually spend on email outreach enables them to focus more on other mission-critical tasks, which makes the movement as a whole more productive. As the movement becomes more productive whilst the "barrier to entry" for veganism drops (thanks to all the new vegan options everywhere), more people get brought into the movement. 

They in turn bring in more funding and volunteer power, which grows the movement further. These new advocates also bring new ideas and perspectives into the movement, which encourages new applications of the AI, which enables it to learn more, which enables it succeed at a wider range of goals. 

This example is not hypothetical.

A pilot program has already been run for this intervention. For less than $50, it secured 6 soft commitments and 2 firm commitments from restaurants to expand their vegan offerings, got an Assemblyman draft a bill for tax incentives for vegan businesses, a State Representative give their support for plant-based lunches in schools and a financial institution request a detailed report on integrating animal welfare into ESG metrics.

This is what exponential growth looks like in practise

Enabling AI to Find High-Impact Interventions

But perhaps we could take it a step further. What if the AI itself could learn and optimize how to find even better interventions? What if it could analyze enormous, complex systems to figure out the most crucial points in the system where positive feedback loops have the most potential to grow into significant change for animals?

Harnessing Collective Knowledge Through AI

Think about all the collective knowledge we have as a movement. It's hard to get your head around the sheer volume of knowledge that exists out there, and there's certainly no way you could ever learn all that yourself. But AI doesn't have our same human limitations. Our human minds can only store so much data, but computers can store practically infinite amounts. They can analyze and learn from that data in ways that are far beyond our own brains. By unleashing that power towards the goal of end factory farming, our movement's potential impact is limitless. 

We can already get some pretty incredible gains in exponential growth from simply utilising existing AI tools in our advocacy for animals, but using tools specifically designed for that advocacy that continually learn and improve as we use them would amplify those gains to unimaginable heights. 

The more powerful the system becomes, the more advocates would use it, which would in turn make the system more powerful. We would then have more success at our various campaign goals, which grows and strengthens the movement, makes more resources available to us, provides more data and ultimately, makes the system again more powerful, leading to yet another positive feedback loop accelerating exponential growth.

Targeting Strategic Hubs

To maximize this potential, instead of attempting to convince every individual globally to adopt veganism, we can focus our efforts on a core group of cities where concentrated advocacy can yield significant results. These cities are not just locally influential, they are global influencers with the potential to set trends that ripple throughout entire regions and beyond. 

By shifting the narrative in just 20 key cities, we can create a cascading effect that transforms perceptions and practices on a much larger scale.

Key Hubs for Global Change

1. New York: As the home of the United Nations, influencing animal welfare policies here can set international standards, inspiring other countries to follow suit. With New York leading the charge, we can catalyze global movements for animal rights.
2. Washington, D.C.: By engaging with the World Bank and the OAS, we can advocate for funding and policies that prioritize animal welfare, prompting systemic changes across the Americas.
3. Brussels: The EU's headquarters allows us to shape comprehensive animal protection laws. As other nations observe Europe’s leadership in this area, they may be compelled to adopt similar policies.
4. London: With organizations like the ICC and OECD, influencing corporate practices in London can lead to ethical supply chains worldwide. The adoption of animal-friendly policies by major corporations can inspire similar changes across their global networks.
5. Paris: By working with UNESCO to promote animal rights within educational frameworks and collaborating with the ICC on ethical business standards, we can embed compassion for animals into cultural and corporate values that resonate globally.
6. Rome: The FAO's commitment to sustainable food policies makes Rome an ideal target for promoting plant-based agriculture, setting a precedent for global food security initiatives that prioritize animal welfare.
7. Geneva: Influencing the WHO and WTO can link animal welfare with public health, demonstrating that compassionate practices benefit human health. This connection can sway policymakers worldwide to consider animal rights in their agendas.
8. Beijing: Engaging with China’s rapid development allows us to promote plant-based diets and sustainable practices among a burgeoning middle class. Change here can reverberate through Asia, affecting billions.
9. Singapore: As the headquarters of APEC, advocating for cooperative animal welfare initiatives can lead to regional commitments that amplify our message across multiple nations.
10. Jakarta: By influencing ASEAN's policies, we can drive humane treatment of animals throughout Southeast Asia, benefiting millions of animals and creating a regional standard.
11. Dubai: Promoting veganism in this trade hub can create narratives that influence travelers and businesses worldwide, leveraging its global connections to spread ethical consumption.
12. Moscow: Engaging with post-Soviet states can drive reforms in animal welfare as the region modernizes, with Moscow setting the tone for neighboring countries.
13. Nairobi: As the hub for the UN Environment Programme, advocating for animal rights here can catalyze change across Africa, fostering regional collaboration that elevates standards.
14. Addis Ababa: The UN Economic Commission for Africa provides an opportunity to influence policies that advance animal welfare, creating a powerful precedent for the continent.
15. Brasilia: Through the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization, we can promote sustainable practices in Brazil, impacting agriculture policies that affect vast swathes of the rainforest.
16. Silicon Valley: By influencing tech companies developing AI, we can integrate animal welfare into algorithms and applications, creating tools that amplify our advocacy efforts and optimize outreach strategies.
17. Hollywood: Collaborating with filmmakers can reshape cultural narratives around animal exploitation, making compassionate choices appealing to a global audience.
18. New Delhi: In India’s rapidly evolving economy, we can galvanize support for animal rights among a diverse population, encouraging widespread dietary shifts that can lead to significant change.
19. Tokyo: Engaging with Japan’s influential cultural sectors can promote veganism through popular media, driving societal acceptance and action.
20. Bangkok: As a key Southeast Asian hub, promoting animal welfare here can create regional impacts, influencing surrounding countries and industries.

By concentrating our advocacy efforts in these hubs, we can create powerful network effects. Change in one city can inspire similar actions in nearby regions and beyond, as trends in consumption, policy, and public sentiment shift rapidly through interconnected networks. This exponential growth means that even modest initial changes can lead to significant shifts in attitudes and practices, ultimately transforming societal norms around animal rights.

Transforming Global Hubs

To maximize our impact in key global hubs and accelerate the adoption of pro-animal policies, we need a strategic approach that goes beyond simply contacting decision-makers. We need to create a social context where pro-animal messages resonate and are more readily accepted. This involves a two-phased approach, driven by our AI-powered system:

Phase 1: Building the Foundation

Imagine Brussels, the heart of European Union policy-making, transformed into a hub of pro-animal sentiment. Restaurants boast extensive plant-based menus, media regularly portrays veganism in a positive light, and the social norm reflects a preference for cruelty-free living. This is the environment we aim to create – a foundation where pro-animal ideas are woven into the fabric of society, increasing the receptiveness to our message.

Phase 2: Targeted Outreach

Once this foundation is established, our AI-powered system can target influential figures within these hubs. Decision-makers, constantly exposed to the "new normal" of widespread vegan acceptance, become more receptive to our message. They see pro-animal policies not as radical shifts, but as reflections of an evolving society. This creates a sense of inevitability, encouraging them to embrace pro-animal policies and accelerate their adoption, even if the rest of the region or country is not yet on board.

The Importance of Local Activism

While focusing on key global hubs is essential for creating sweeping changes in animal rights and veganism, it’s equally important to recognize the critical role of local activism. Grassroots movements, community engagement, and localized advocacy are the bedrock upon which global movements can build.

Building Foundations for Change

Local activism allows us to tailor our messaging and strategies to resonate with specific communities. By understanding and addressing local cultural norms, dietary habits, and social dynamics, we can create advocacy that feels relevant and achievable. This localized approach makes it easier for individuals to connect with the cause and see the potential for change within their own lives. For instance, a campaign promoting plant-based diets might emphasize traditional recipes adapted to be vegan, thereby honoring cultural heritage while encouraging healthier, cruelty-free choices.

Moreover, local activists can help identify and dismantle barriers to veganism that may not be apparent in global discourses. By engaging with their communities, they can uncover challenges related to access, affordability, and cultural acceptance of vegan options. This insight allows for the development of targeted interventions that meet the needs of local populations, ultimately laying a stronger foundation for the larger movement.

Creating Culturally Resonant Messaging

Culturally resonant messaging is crucial in ensuring that advocacy efforts are effective and impactful. Local activists can craft narratives that reflect the values, beliefs, and priorities of their communities. This not only fosters a sense of ownership over the cause, but also empowers more local individuals to become advocates themselves. 

Additionally, local activism can serve as a testing ground for strategies that may later be implemented on a larger scale. Successful community-based initiatives can be scaled up and adapted for other regions, contributing to a shared pool of knowledge and strategies that drive the movement forward.

The Ripple Effect of Local Change

Change in local contexts can have a ripple effect, influencing perceptions and behaviors beyond immediate neighborhoods. As communities begin to adopt more compassionate practices, these shifts can inspire others in neighboring areas and even contribute to the broader narrative of animal rights on a national or global scale. Local activists often serve as the first point of contact for individuals curious about veganism, and their enthusiasm can spark interest and engagement that may not have otherwise occurred.

Moreover, building a strong local base creates a network of advocates who can mobilize quickly in response to emerging issues or challenges. This agility can be particularly powerful in countering the efforts of the animal exploitation industry, as a unified local voice can effectively challenge harmful practices and policies.

Strengthening the Global Movement

Ultimately, local activism and key global hubs are not mutually exclusive; they complement and reinforce one another. As we cultivate change in local communities, we create a rich soil from which larger movements can grow. The strategies and successes of local activists provide valuable lessons and insights that can inform global efforts, ensuring that they are culturally sensitive and resonant.

Building the Future of Advocacy

At Open Paws, we're working to create this exponential growth in practice. We recognize that the path to ending factory farming requires not just strategic thinking and targeted activism, but also the tools to amplify our impact. That's why we're focused on creating AI systems that understand and advocate for animal rights, enabling us to scale our message and influence far beyond what traditional activism alone could achieve.

Our work represents the practical implementation of the systems-level thinking we've discussed. Rather than focusing solely on individual advocacy, we're building infrastructure that can exponentially increase our movement's effectiveness across all types of campaigns. Through our platform, anyone who cares about animals can contribute to training AI systems that will advocate for animals across languages, cultures, and contexts.

Two Ways to Accelerate Our Progress

We've created two primary ways for individuals and organizations to participate in this transformation:

First, if you have a computer and compassion for animals, you can help train AI through our ranking interface. By evaluating AI responses and content related to animal rights, welfare, and veganism, you help shape AI systems that better understand and advocate for our cause. We're particularly proud that this works across nearly 150 languages, helping ensure our movement's messaging resonates globally.

Second, if you're an organization or content creator, you can donate your existing data to strengthen AI training. Whether you have social media content, campaign materials, or analytics data, these contributions help AI systems learn from real-world advocacy experiences. We offer both public and private data sharing options, ensuring you can contribute while maintaining appropriate privacy controls.

Breaking Down Language Barriers

The multilingual nature of our initiative is particularly crucial to us. We know that more than 80% of the world's population doesn't speak English, and it's not the native language for almost 95% of the world's population. That's why we're committed to creating culturally aware AI systems that can scale across linguistic and cultural barriers that have traditionally limited our reach.

Creating Exponential Impact Together

By participating in our initiatives, you're not just training AI – you're accelerating the exponential growth of our movement. Every piece of feedback, every dataset shared, contributes to creating more effective advocacy tools. These tools can then be deployed across our key global hubs and local communities, creating cascading effects that amplify our impact.

Join Us in Shaping Tomorrow

At Open Paws, we see the convergence of exponential technological growth and our movement's increasing momentum as an unprecedented opportunity. Together, we can harness this potential to create tools that accelerate our progress toward ending factory farming. By contributing your knowledge, experience, and data, you're not just hoping for change – you're actively building the systems that will make it inevitable.

Note: This post is adapted from a report I wrote on the Open Paws website in response to a recent post here on the EA Forum arguing against ending factory farming being a goal for the animal protection movement.