Cornell TNC Sustainable Livestock Video

This 90-second video distills complex livestock research into a human-centred, narrative piece that challenges the idea of a one-size-fits-all solution for sustainable agriculture. Drawing from expert-led case studies across Latin America, East Africa, and North America, the film introduces a context-based framework for understanding livestock systems—one that accounts for ecological conditions, cultural practices, economic realities, and regional livelihoods. Rather than flattening livestock production into a single climate metric, the video highlights how different systems create different outcomes for people, biodiversity, and climate. Through the voices of producers and researchers, the video reframes livestock sustainability as a nuanced, place-based challenge. It was created to inform and influence policymakers, funders, and global institutions by showing why current policy and investment approaches often miss the mark—and how more tailored, locally informed strategies can lead to better environmental and social outcomes. Designed for use at major climate and biodiversity convenings and across digital platforms, the project supports The Nature Conservancy and Cornell University in advancing a more holistic, evidence-driven conversation about the future of livestock systems, in collaboration with research partners including the International Livestock Research Institute.

The Nature Conservancy

CREDITS

DESIGN & ANIMATION: Kari Pieterse & Margaret To

PRODUCTION: Studio Saka

MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN: Tomas Wischerath

CORNELL LEAD: Nicole Rossi

SCIENCE LEAD: Sasha Gennet

TNC COMMS LEAD: Christina Griffiths

VOICE OVER: Mario Herrero at Cornell University

STORYBOARDS

This short film uses animation and on-the-ground interviews to challenge one-size-fits-all thinking in livestock sustainability. Opening with the global scale of livestock’s land and water stewardship, the story moves through three distinct production systems—from the Northern Great Plains to East Africa and Colombia—showing how livestock outcomes are shaped by local ecological, cultural, and economic contexts. Illustrated data and motion graphics visualize processes like carbon cycling, soil health, biodiversity, and grazing rotation, while side-by-side comparisons reveal the limits of conventional approaches. The film closes by centering producers and communities as key climate stewards, reinforcing a core message: context-specific policies and investments are essential to building resilient food systems that work for people, nature, and climate.

STYLEFRAMES

Styleframes are crucial for animation projects as they visually convey the final product to clients. Integrating color schemes, typography, composition, and visual elements, enables stakeholders to envision the desired style, mood, and atmosphere. As a reference and guide, style frames ensure the animation aligns with the artistic vision and project goals.

IMPACT

This project translates complex livestock research into a clear, human-centered narrative that helps policymakers, funders, and NGOs move beyond one-size-fits-all climate solutions. By visualizing context-specific outcomes across diverse production systems, the film supports more informed, locally tailored decisions that benefit people, biodiversity, and climate.

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