Tools aplenty to mitigate emissions

The global conversation on climate change has increasingly turned its focus towards the impact of livestock emissions on the environment.

According to a 2023 United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report, livestock is a significant source of greenhouse gases, contributing notably to methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide emissions.

However, the FAO report also provides a pathway for significant reduction in these emissions that does not primarily rely on changes in human dietary patterns. Instead, it emphasises enhancements in productivity, genetic improvements, and better health management of livestock as key strategies.

The chart from the FAO report delineates various interventions and their potential impact on emissions by 2050. Notably, the main emission reductions are forecast to come from increased productivity, breeding improvements and enhanced animal health rather than from changes in diet or food consumption patterns.

Increasing the productivity of livestock is one of the most effective ways to reduce emissions per unit of product (emission intensity). This can be achieved through better feed quality, improved reproductive performance, and reduced mortality and morbidity.

By producing more output from the same number of animals, the emission intensity declines. For example, if dairy cows are bred and managed to produce more milk, the methane emitted per litre of milk is reduced. The FAO chart shows that productivity improvements could lead to a significant reduction in emissions, underlining this as a key area for action.

Selective breeding is another critical component of the pathway to reduce emissions. By choosing animals that are naturally more efficient at converting feed into body weight or milk, for instance, farmers can lower the amount of feed needed for each animal, which in turn reduces the emissions associated with feed production and digestion.

In addition to reducing emissions, breeding for traits like disease resistance can decrease the incidence and spread of disease, further reducing the need for emissions-intensive treatments and interventions.

Improving animal health is intricately linked to productivity but deserves its own spotlight. Healthier animals have higher productivity and a longer productive life, thus reducing the need to replace them as frequently. This can be achieved through vaccination programs, better veterinary care, and improved livestock management practices.

The FAO chart shows that such health improvements could result in substantial emission reductions, highlighting the importance of continued investment in veterinary infrastructure and research.

The report also touches on interventions such as better manure management, energy use in livestock production, and reduction in food loss and waste. However, these areas contribute less to the overall potential reduction compared to productivity, breeding, and health improvements.

It is important to recognise that these interventions are not only environmentally beneficial but also economically viable.

Increasing productivity, for example, can lead to higher incomes for farmers. Improved breeding and health practices can reduce costs associated with feed, veterinary services and losses from mortality.

It is worth noting that dietary changes, such as a shift towards plant-based diets, are often proposed as a means to reduce emissions. While such changes can have an impact, the FAO report suggests that even without major dietary shifts, substantial reductions in livestock emissions can be achieved through the aforementioned interventions. This approach also avoids the socioeconomic challenges and cultural resistance that can accompany suggested changes in dietary habits.

The FAO report provides a nuanced view of how to tackle livestock emissions. It demonstrates that there are multiple pathways to achieving significant reductions, with the most effective strategies focusing on improving productivity, breeding, and animal health. These interventions offer a pragmatic and effective approach to reducing livestock’s carbon footprint, ensuring that the sector contributes to the global efforts to mitigate climate change while also supporting the livelihoods of farmers worldwide.

This is a clear indication that the agricultural sector can evolve to meet environmental challenges without necessitating drastic changes in consumer behaviour, though a combination of strategies will likely be necessary to achieve the ambitious goals set for 2050.

• Matt Dalgleish is co-founder and director of Episode 3 (EP3)