Intensive livestock production, particularly cattle ranching, is a leading driver of climate change. In reality, transportation is the leading cause of emissions, accounting for over 10% of all total emissions. In light of this urgent environmental challenge, a number of creative technical fixes have been developed to help mitigate these emissions. One such effort aims to develop specialized feed additives. These additives help prevent methane—one of the most powerful greenhouse gases—from being produced by livestock.
Scientists and agricultural experts alike are just beginning to grasp the monumental imperative of fixing emissions from livestock. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas released during the digestive process, has a global warming potential 84 times that of carbon dioxide over two decades. In light of the livestock sector’s outsized contribution to climate change and the ongoing ways livestock negatively affect the environment, researchers studied ways to reduce these toxic emissions.
Recent breakthroughs include a feed additive that changes the microbial ecosystem in cows’ stomachs. This development will help cut one of the most powerful contributors to climate change — methane emissions — by more than half. This new, science-tested product has shown great efficacy and is very exciting. It does so without compromising animal health or productivity. It actually enriches the ecological footprint of cattle ranching.
The holistic initiative, which hopes to metaphorically heal our land, will help put more money in farmers’ pockets. Livestock producers will increase their profitability with these new feeding practices. Combined, these approaches result in improved feed efficiency and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
Environmental scientists are coming to a consensus that reducing livestock emissions is critical. This important move will help to ensure the world stays on track to meet its global climate targets. Policymakers are encouraged to contemplate including these types of groundbreaking solutions into more comprehensive climate action plans. In doing so, they can lead the way to a just transition to sustainable agricultural practices that support climate stabilization goals.