A Brief History of LEAP
The Law, Ethics & Animals Program (LEAP) was established in 2018 by a group of Yale Law School faculty members who recognized the need for a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to addressing the complex issues surrounding animal law.
LEAP’s mission is to advance the development of animal welfare policies and laws that promote the humane treatment of animals and the sustainability of the environment.
The Founding of LEAP
LEAP was founded in 2019 through the generosity of several individuals who recognized the need for a multidisciplinary approach to addressing the complex issues surrounding animal agriculture.
The use of animals in agriculture and other industries is a major driver of biodiversity loss. The use of animals in entertainment, such as zoos and circuses, is also a significant contributor to biodiversity loss.
The Devastating Impact of Industrial Farming on the Environment
The effects of industrial farming on the environment are far-reaching and devastating. The production of meat, dairy, and eggs is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. The use of resource-intensive farming practices, such as monoculture and intensive animal husbandry, leads to soil degradation, erosion, and loss of biodiversity. Key statistics: + 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture + 70% of the Amazon rainforest has been cleared for cattle grazing and soybean production + 1 in 5 species are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss and fragmentation
The Consequences of Zoonotic Diseases
The use of animals in agriculture and other industries poses a significant risk of future pandemics. Zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, are a major concern. The COVID-19 pandemic is a prime example of the devastating consequences of zoonotic diseases.
Founding a Community for Environmental and Animal Law Scholars and Students.
The Founding of LEAP
LEAP was founded in 1993 by a group of Yale students who were passionate about the intersection of law and the natural world. The founders recognized the need for a platform that would bring together scholars and students to explore the complex relationships between human activity and the environment. Since its inception, LEAP has grown into a vibrant community of scholars and students who are dedicated to advancing the fields of animal and environmental law.
Early Years and Growth
In its early years, LEAP focused on building a strong foundation for the organization. The founders established a network of student organizations and academic programs that would support the growth of LEAP. These programs included the Yale Environmental Law Journal, the Yale Animal Law and Policy Journal, and the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy. As LEAP expanded, it began to attract scholars and students from across the country who were interested in the emerging field of animal and environmental law.
Key Initiatives and Projects
LEAP has led a diverse program of activities that serve students and scholars at Yale, expanding and advancing the fields of animal and environmental law.
Empowering Students to Combat Climate Change
## What is LEAP?
Introduction
LEAP is a unique program that empowers students to take action against climate change. By providing a comprehensive education on the legal tools and strategies needed to combat climate change, LEAP equips students with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact.
What is LEAP? LEAP stands for “Law, Economics, and Policy” and is a Yale Law School program that focuses on the intersection of law, economics, and policy in the context of climate change.
“LEAP provided me with the opportunity to explore my passion for animal welfare and environmental law, and I am grateful for the network of scholars and professionals I met through LEAP.”
A Legacy of Advocacy: LEAP’s Impact on Animal and Environmental Protection
LEAP, or the Yale Law School Environmental and Animal Law Clinic, has been a driving force in shaping the careers of its graduates. Since its inception, the clinic has provided a platform for students to explore the intersection of animal welfare and environmental protection. The clinic’s impact extends far beyond the Yale Law School campus, with its graduates going on to make significant contributions to the field.
A Network of Scholars and Professionals
One of the key factors contributing to LEAP’s success is its network of scholars and professionals.
LEAP was instrumental in shaping my legal career and fueling my passion for environmental and animal protection, Rutinel said.
The Founding of LEAP
LEAP, or the Legal Environmental and Animal Protection organization, was founded in 1993 by a group of passionate individuals who shared a common goal: to protect the environment and animals from human activities that harm them. The organization’s founders were inspired by the devastating effects of pollution, deforestation, and animal cruelty, and they sought to create a platform for advocacy and activism.
Early Years and Challenges
In its early years, LEAP faced numerous challenges, including limited resources and a lack of recognition from the mainstream media.
Brooke Dekolf ’21, another member of LEAP’s inaugural Student Fellow class, currently clerks for Judge Robin Meriweather in the Court of Federal Claims. Prior to clerking, she worked as an Animal Welfare Fellow at Richman Law & Policy, where she practiced consumer protection law, false advertising law, and complex civil litigation challenging “humanewashing” claims made by the animal agriculture industry, with an emphasis on accountability in aquaculture systems and fish welfare. “If not for LEAP, I would have never known I could spend my legal career litigating on behalf of fishes,” Dekolf said. “As those of us who litigate on behalf of animals, and particularly farmed animals, know: many of the traditional avenues for this type of advocacy have been foreclosed, often in the face of immense industry pressure. LEAP has worked to foster a community of thinkers and doers designed to develop exactly the kind of creative legal thinking that is integral to combating the harms of industrial animal agriculture.”
The New Legal Director of LEAP
Daina Bray’s appointment as the new Legal Director of LEAP marks a significant milestone in the organization’s efforts to combat climate change through the lens of law. Bray’s expertise in environmental law and her experience in leading interdisciplinary collaborations will be invaluable in driving LEAP’s mission forward.
Bray’s Background and Expertise
Daina Bray is a renowned expert in environmental law, with a strong background in addressing the intersection of law and climate change. Her research focuses on the impact of industrial activities on the environment, including the effects of animal agriculture on greenhouse gas emissions. Bray’s work has been recognized internationally, and she has published numerous papers on the topic.
LEAP’s Mission and Goals
LEAP’s mission is to advance strategies to address the outsized emissions of industrial animal agriculture.
Her involvement in LEAP has allowed her to combine her passion for animal welfare with her professional expertise, making her a valuable asset to the organization.
LEAP’s Mission and Goals
LEAP’s mission is to advance the rights of farmed animals through the use of science and law. The organization’s primary goal is to improve the treatment of farmed animals by promoting humane treatment and reducing animal suffering.
Key Objectives
The Science Behind LEAP’s Work
LEAP’s work is grounded in scientific research and data analysis. The organization uses this information to inform its advocacy efforts and policy recommendations.
Research Methods
LEAP’s Impact and Successes
LEAP’s work has had a significant impact on the treatment of farmed animals. The organization’s efforts have led to policy changes and legislation that improve the lives of animals.
Notable Successes
LEAP’s Team and Partnerships
LEAP’s team is comprised of experienced professionals who share a passion for animal welfare.
He will be taking on a new role as Chief Counsel for Animal Protection Litigation for the Humane Society of the United States, where he will be working to protect animals from cruelty and abuse.
A New Chapter for Jonathan Lovvorn
Jonathan Lovvorn, a seasoned animal rights attorney, is embarking on a new chapter in his career.
Collaborations and Partnerships
LEAP’s collaborative efforts are crucial to its success. The center’s frequent collaborations with other centers and programs at Yale, as well as its partnerships with scholars and institutions at other universities, demonstrate its commitment to interdisciplinary research and knowledge-sharing. By working together, LEAP and its partners can tackle complex environmental and animal protection issues from multiple angles, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of these pressing concerns. Key collaborations include:
External Partnerships
LEAP also engages in external partnerships with major animal and environmental protection organizations. These partnerships enable the center to leverage the expertise and resources of these organizations, amplifying its impact and reach.
LEAP is a collaborative effort between the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of California, Davis, with the support of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD).
LEAP: A New Approach to Tackling Industrial Animal Agriculture and the Climate Crisis
The Problem: Industrial Animal Agriculture and the Climate Crisis
Industrial animal agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. The livestock industry is responsible for around 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with beef and lamb production being the largest contributors. The production of meat, especially beef, requires large amounts of feed, water, and land, leading to deforestation and habitat destruction. The industry also generates significant amounts of waste, including manure and urine, which can pollute waterways and soil. The climate crisis is a pressing global issue, with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warning that we have only a decade to take drastic action to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The livestock industry is a significant contributor to the climate crisis, with the production of meat, especially beef, being a major driver of greenhouse gas emissions.*
LEAP: A Collaborative Approach
The LEAP Project
LEAP is a collaborative effort between the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of California, Davis, with the support of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD).
The Groundbreaking Research of LEAP
LEAP, a leading organization in the field of science and technology, has been making waves in the scientific community with its groundbreaking research. The organization’s work has received attention from prominent media outlets such as The Washington Post, Vox, and The New Republic, and is now available on the program’s website.
The Impact of LEAP’s Research
LEAP’s research has had a significant impact on the scientific community, with its findings being widely discussed and debated. The organization’s work has also been recognized by leading experts in the field, who have praised its innovative approach and rigorous methodology. Key findings of LEAP’s research include: + A new understanding of the relationship between climate change and human migration + A breakthrough in the development of sustainable energy sources + A novel approach to addressing the global health crisis
The Significance of LEAP’s Research
LEAP’s research is significant not only for its scientific impact but also for its potential to drive positive change in the world.
