Are you interested in connecting with other HBS MBA students who are dedicated to fighting climate change? Student clubs are a vital part of the HBS community experience, supporting the school’s mission to educate leaders who change the world. We spoke with leaders of environmentally focused clubs to learn about the club’s history, its impact and mission, and the types of programs members can participate in.

What if we told you that there is an environmental problem with profound moral significance and profound business relevance, but that Harvard Business School has so far given it limited attention? That problem is animal welfare.

The shift in attitudes toward animals is undeniable. Animal welfare referendum initiatives are gaining bipartisan support in red and blue states. Some 30-50% of Americans say they support a total ban on slaughterhouses. On the business side, the global pet care market is estimated at a quarter of a trillion dollars.

Yet paradoxically, despite this growing ethical clarity about the moral status of animals, business is often the primary source of animal suffering today. In a given year, more animals will be killed for food than the number of humans who have ever lived on the planet—and the vast majority will be raised in appalling conditions that, if applied to dogs or cats, would justify animal cruelty crimes in all 50 U.S. states. And that’s not even taking into account the enormous environmental footprint of animal agriculture and related industries.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Business can be a huge force for good for animals and the environment, as students learned in HBS professor Max Bazerman’s 2022 course “Opportunities in a Plant-Based Economy.” From innovating technologies that improve the lives of animals used in industry to reducing the number of animals used in industry, engaging in philanthropic work on behalf of animal welfare NGOs to transforming industry into humane supply chains, HBS students have the opportunity to literally help trillions animals. It’s hard to think of another environmental issue that has so much potential for massive positive impact.

Business of Animal Protection (BOAP) is your gateway to these issues. We have three main areas of interest:

• Create a social community. Want to meet other HBS students who care about animals? How about exploring Boston’s vegetarian scene? This is the place for you.
• Introduce HBS students to industry leaders, from the alternative protein industry to leading nonprofits, policymakers, and thought leaders. Last year, we invited the CEO of Impossible Foods to campus, along with business icon Suzy Welch, New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ Deputy Food Policy Director, a leading alternative protein VC and nonprofit leader.
• Advise students on how to use their careers to help animals. Importantly, this is not an all-or-nothing approach – anyone can help animals, whether they dedicate their career to a cause or simply want to find small ways to contribute to it.

BOAP is an inclusive, large-tent organization. We have no dues and welcome everyone, regardless of dietary preferences, pre-HBS experience, or post-HBS plans.

Ready to make friends and make a difference? Email David ([email protected]) to make friends, have fun, and help build a more humane economy.