As the world awaits the outcome of the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference, the Australian beef industry is researching new ways to reduce methane emissions in cattle by 50 per cent by 2030. Read more … (Beef CRC, Australia) Continue reading
Category Archives: Climate Change
Agriculture / CCAFS / CGIAR / Climate Change / Research
Climate, agriculture and food security: A strategy for change
Climate has been central to much of the work of the CGIAR centres, variable and uncertain weather being one of the greatest challenges to small-scale farmers and other resource managers. New technologies and knowledge resulting from this work include hardier crops and better ways to manage trees, livestock, water, soil and fish. The CGIAR Challenge … Continue reading
Brazil / Cattle / Climate Change / Environment / Latin America / Livestock
Climate change: Cattle, the ignored predator
Because of its effect on the environment, cattle must be given the same priority in global agendas as nuclear weapons, wars and, in particular, climate change, says Brazilian activist João Meirelles Filho, author of two books on Amazon deforestation. Cattle farming in Brazil is the leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions, as it is responsible … Continue reading
Livestock hurting the environment but improving lives in the developing world
Our planet’s meat and dairy consumption needs careful consideration, but blanket advocacy for policy that opposes the production of livestock is unfortunately a bit short-sighted. Despite the negative associations livestock has gained in recent years–reports of damage to the environment, a number of public health risks, and its role in obesity–new studies reveal that livestock … Continue reading
Climate Change / Environment / ILRI / Kenya / Livestock
Kenya: Rich nations should help the poor in climate change
We’ve discussed research indicating that eating a less meat-intensive diet could reduce our contribution to global climate change as well as increase life expectancy by reducing heart disease risk. This is based on the reality that farming practices in wealthy nations are resource intensive, producing green house gasses in any number of ways. The fatty … Continue reading
COP 15: Vegetarian mafia descend on Copenhagen
THEY’RE waiting for unwitting passengers stepping off the train and heading for the climate talks – the vegetarian mafia thinking they can solve the world’s pollution problems by turning everyone off meat. Funny little people, often dressed as chooks or cows (or last night, a prawn) and are everywhere handing out show bags full of … Continue reading
Clearing the air: Livestock’s contribution to climate change
Despite oft-repeated claims by sources ranging from the United Nations to music star Paul McCartney, it is simply not true that consuming less meat and dairy products will help stop climate change, says a University of California authority on farming and greenhouse gases. “We certainly can reduce our greenhouse-gas production, but not by consuming less … Continue reading
Reducing livestock’s emissions shadow
Federated Farmers has enthusiastically welcomed news that the Global Research Alliance on agricultural greenhouse gases is starting to get the financial means to take flight, with over $200 million pledged from New Zealand, the United States and Canada. “We’re ecstatic to see the United States contributing $125 million worth of research over four years, while … Continue reading
Copenhagen, carbon and cows
With agreement at the Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen for agriculture to be included in emission reduction targets thought to be imminent, carbon stewardship could be the new currency for sustainable agriculture. After 60 years in the wilderness, organic farmers feel their hour has finally come. Soil Association Director Patrick Holden said: “Paying farmers to … Continue reading
Global research alliance launched at the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen
On 16 December in Copenhagen, agricultural research took center stage at the United Nations Climate Change Conference when Ministers from 18 countries launched a Global Research Alliance that will help us better understand how agriculture can help reduce greenhouse gases while also growing more food. USDA will commit up to $90 Million over four years towards … Continue reading
ILRI Clippings 