Climate change is a significant threat to life on this planet and the human race must take drastic and sustainable steps to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases if we are to avert a global catastrophe. The industrial sector, transportation and energy production are all major contributors to global warming, but agricultural production also plays a significantly large role due its release of significant amounts of methane and nitrous oxide, two major contributors to global warming. One specific form of farming responsible for these emissions is raising livestock.
Unlike other forms of farming, livestock is more of a ‘natural’ form of production. Cows, goats, and sheep, for example, require pastures, shelter, and hay for food, and in return humans use the animals’ production (dairy, wool, meat, etc.). However, this agricultural practice is also one of the main perpetrators of climate change and global warming.
Raising animals for animal products has been found to be one of the most environmentally damaging activities for global warming. According to a study conducted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it has been estimated that agricultural activities (including meat and dairy production) contribute to anywhere from 7.1 to 48.7 percent of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions. This accounts for the methane and nitrous oxide emissions released into the atmosphere. Methane is a gas twenty-five times more potent than carbon dioxide and is released from livestock during their digestion process. This gas helps to trap heat in the atmosphere and lead to warming temperatures. Nitrous oxide is two hundred and seventy-six times more potent than carbon dioxide and comes from the application of chemical fertilizers and the decomposition of animal fertilizer and waste.
Livestock production is not solely responsible for the entire percentage of emissions, but its overall impact on climate change cannot be ignored. In fact, if the global population shifts to more plant-based diets, we could see a reduction of 5-10 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide yearly. Moreover, taking additional steps such as reducing overgrazing and land clearing (which are just some of the issues stemming from intensive livestock production) could further improve emissions values and the global climate.
In general, however, much can still be done to reduce the impact of global warming that results from livestock farming. One such approach is reforming the industry to encourage more sustainable animal production. Reintroducing traditional methods such as crop rotation, composting and low-input farming should be better enforced. In addition, the promotion of fewer but higher welfare animals could improve the industry’s overall sustainability and reduce the impacts of global warming.
Ultimately, global warming is a complex environmental and economic problem that needs to be addressed. Farming livestock should be managed responsibly and more sustainable production practices should be promoted if we are to make a substantial impact on our planet’s overall climate. While this will be an uphill battle, the world is also standing at a unique crossroads; with the right lifestyle and dietary changes, we can make an immediate impact on global warming.
How Does Farming Livestock Cause Global Warming
