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
Tag Archives: Greenhouse gas emissions
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
Soggy pork … and other climate change choices
The world faces some interesting choices in the next few years. As illustrated by the ongoing Copenhagen negotiations, we have to decide whether and how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a wide range of sectors, from energy generation to transportation and beyond. The livestock industry faces particular uncertainty in this environment. According to various … Continue reading
Australia / Livestock / Livestock Systems / Pacific / Research / Sheep / Small Ruminants
Australian aims to breed ‘green’ sheep that burp less
Australian scientists have said they are hoping to breed sheep that burp less as part of efforts to tackle climate change. The scientists have been trying to identify a genetic link that causes some sheep to belch less than others. Burping is a far greater cause of emissions in sheep than flatulence, they say. Read … Continue reading
A world without roast beef: Who wants that?
Sir Paul McCartney arrived in Brussels yesterday to recruit support for his “meat-free Mondays” campaign. The argument seems so easy: cut down meat consumption and the planet will be saved. But even if a world without roast beef was one in which we all wanted to live (please count me out), we need to think … Continue reading
The methane makers
The man behind one of the most influential reports on climate change, Lord Stern, has highlighted the impact meat production has on greenhouse gas emissions. Part of it comes through methane made by the animals as they digest food. So which farm animals expel the most methane? A diet that relies heavily on meat production … Continue reading
ILRI Clippings 