There is increasing recognition that the earth's natural boundaries are being pushed to the limit, as the human population continues to grow in a world of finite resources. With a projected doubling in global meat consumption by the middle of the century, how can environmental impacts be minimised and animal welfare assured, as some quarters call for "sustainable intensification"? Leading experts at AWSELVA's Spring 2013 conference debated the role of animal agriculture in a world of climate change, including aquaculture and contentious large-scale dairy farming. In a day that also examined the welfare of dogs used in pet therapy, military dogs and competition horses, the conference included the usual AWSELVA mix of challenging topics, leading thinkers and thought-provoking discussion.