What if humanity made a radical shift, one that ended the routine killing of animals? What would happen to the planet, to ecosystems, and to us? These are the central questions behind After We Let Animals Live, a new book and feature documentary project by author Barbara Kyle and Stephen Best. Since the project was first announced, much of the work has happened quietly, behind the scenes, grounded in careful research and scientific rigour.
While no science can predict the future with absolute certainty, it can offer credible clues about what is possible if human behavior fundamentally changed. Getting that science right matters to the people behind this project. We know from existing data that, for example, if the entire planet switched to a plant-based diet, we could rewild up to 75% of the current land used for animal agriculture. But we kill animals for so many more selfish reasons.
After We Let Animals Live aims to explore how ending animal killing could affect climate systems, biodiversity, public health, and human societies themselves. For the book and film to make a meaningful contribution to protecting animals and the environment, their conclusions must be beyond reproach. That commitment has guided months of deep research and consultation. The production of the film has included sourcing archival and contemporary video, conducting interviews with voices such as animal advocate Liz White.
Recently, the project has expanded into the visual realm through a collaboration with Oregon-based artist Skylar Smith. Smith has created two striking posters for After We Let Animals Live, offering a first visual glimpse into the world the project invites us to imagine: a future shaped by compassion rather than domination. The poster includes this popular quote from Albert Schweitzer: “Until we extend our circle of compassion to all living things, humanity will not find peace”.
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