Prüfling A

On World Animal Day your English advanced course is hosting a joint video conference with English-speaking partners. Each participating group is preparing a presentation. Comment on these findings.

• 88% of pet owners know that pets are able to reduce humans' stress levels.
• 7.6 million companion animals enter shelters in the US each year.
• Cats and dogs account for 25-30% of the environmental impact of meat consumption in the US.

Sources:
Adapted from: https://petpedia.co/pet-therapy-statistics/
Adapted from: https:f/www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-animal-homelessness
Adapted from: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/americas-163-million-cats-and-dogs-are-responsible-for-30-of-the-environmental-impact-of-meat-consumption-2017-08-03
[accessed: 27 August 2021] Together with your partner, analyse the complex links between humans and animals. Plan your presentation.

Prüfling B

On World Animal Day your English advanced course is hosting a joint video conference with English-speaking partners. Each participating group is preparing a presentation. Comment on these findings.

• The total sales of antibiotics to treat farm animals in the United Kingdom decreased by 45% between 2015 and 2019.
• By 2030, 62% of all seafood produced for human consumption will come from aquaculture.
• Livestock generate 18% of total greenhouse gas emissions – more than the entire transport sector.

Source:
Adapted from: https://www.farmantibiotics.org/progress-updates/progress-across-farming/
Adapted from: https://www.aquaculturealliance.org/blog/what-is-aquaculture-why-do-we-need-it/
Adapted from: https://lumina.com/case-studies/environmental-modeling-with-analytica/methane-ghg-emissionsfrom-livestock/
[accessed: 27 August 2021] Together with your partner, analyse the complex links between humans and animals. Plan your presentation.

Note:
Please note that these solutions are only suggestions. There are various possibilities for argumentation. Prüfungsteilnehmer A

• 88% of pet owners believe pets reduce stress, showing strong awareness of the emotional benefits of animal companionship.
• 7.6 million companion animals enter US shelters annually, highlighting widespread issues of abandonment and homelessness.
• Cats and dogs account for 25–30% of the environmental impact of meat consumption, revealing that pet food contributes significantly to ecological damage.
• The findings illustrate both positive impacts (emotional well-being) and negative consequences (overpopulation and environmental strain).
• This duality shows that human–animal relationships are beneficial but also come with ethical and environmental challenges.

Prüfungsteilnehmer B

• Antibiotic sales to treat UK farm animals fell by 45% (2015–2019), indicating progress toward healthier livestock practices and reduced antibiotic resistance risks.
• By 2030, 62% of seafood will come from aquaculture, showing major growth in fish farming.
• Livestock produce 18% of greenhouse gases—more than all transport—highlighting agriculture as a key driver of climate change.
• The data shows efforts are being made to improve livestock care, but climate and sustainability concerns remain serious.
• Aquaculture’s growth suggests shifting production methods, but it raises environmental and ethical questions.

Beide Prüfungsteilnehmer the complex links between humans and animals

• Animals offer psychological benefits, supporting mental health and reducing loneliness.
• High numbers of animals in shelters reflect irresponsible ownership and lack of regulation.
• Feeding pets requires meat production, which increases resource use and greenhouse emissions.
• Humans depend on pets emotionally, yet often fail to provide long-term care.
• The relationship involves emotional, economic, and ecological dimensions.

• Humans rely on animals for food, but large-scale farming contributes heavily to climate change.
• Reduced antibiotic use shows attempts to make food production safer and more sustainable.
• Aquaculture demonstrates innovation in feeding populations, but risks include pollution and biodiversity loss.
• Livestock emissions challenge climate goals, revealing tension between dietary habits and environmental protection.
• The relationship is shaped by ethics, economy, ecology, and health.

Plan for our presentation

• Introduce the topic: explain why human–animal relationships matter (emotional, ethical, economic, environmental).
• Explain emotional benefits of animals (e.g. stress reduction) and link to Screenshot A findings.
• Address animal welfare issues such as abandonment, shelters, and responsible ownership.
• Discuss environmental impact: pet food production, livestock emissions, ecological effects of farming (connect A + B).
• Highlight changing farming practices: reduced antibiotics and rise of aquaculture.
• Compare positive aspects (mental health, food security) with negative aspects (pollution, climate change, ethical concerns).
• Offer solutions: responsible pet care, adoption, sustainable farming, plant-based or alternative proteins, consumer awareness.
• Conclude: emphasise the need for balance between human needs, animal welfare, and environmental protection.