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Unpacking the carbon pawprint of America’s pets

Puppies play in a cage at a pet store. (Jose Luis Magana/AP)
Jose Luis Magana/AP
Puppies play in a cage at a pet store. (Jose Luis Magana/AP)

Many people consider their pets to be a part of their family. Yet dogs and cats have a massive and underdiscussed climate pawprint.

Is there a way to reduce your furry friend’s greenhouse gas emissions, and is there a way to discuss this topic without alienating pet owners?

Grist associate editor Claire Thompson joins Here & Now‘s Elissa Nadworny to explain.

This article was originally published on WBUR.org.

Copyright 2025 WBUR

Here & Now Newsroom