Human-Invertebrate Relations and the Invertebrate Justice Model

This chapter revisits the various different contexts in which human directly impact invertebrate species from the perspective of the invertebrate justice model (IJM). I consider, in turn, the use of invertebrates for food, feed, and other material products, invertebrates used in medical and scientific contexts, and invertebrates that are impacted by diverse forms of ‘pest’ control. Following the IJM leads us to recognise that in these (and other) contexts significant changes are warranted that reduce the harm inflicted on individual invertebrates. Although these changes are likely to have negative impacts for some humans, rethinking the way we interact with invertebrates to reduce the harm that we cause to them will actually, in many (albeit not all) cases, promote environmental and ecological justice outcomes as well. Details on what changes can be made to better realise invertebrate justice in these specific circumstances are outlined.