Introduction

The overall aim of this book is to introduce a model of Invertebrate Justice and to outline how it can be implemented. In this chapter I introduce the key developments that have been important in the creation of the invertebrate justice model and provide an overview of the remainder of the book. Humans cause harm, both directly and indirectly, to an enormous number of invertebrates every year. Because many invertebrates are likely to be sentient, our interactions with them matter for their own sake. Moreover, because invertebrates play a critical role in the integrity of ecosystems, human-invertebrate interactions matter for both human well-being and the flourishing of the environment of which we are a part. By taking a holistic approach to justice, there is scope to develop a range of interventions that will allow us to change the way we organise society in order to improve justice outcomes for invertebrates, other species, humans, and the environment.