Turning the Climate Tide: The Integral Role of Sustainable Livestock Practices
In the urgent global dialogue on climate change, we have witnessed a temperature increase of over 1.5 degrees since 1970 – an increase that scientists have been warning about since 2015.
Given its significant contributions to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane, livestock farming finds itself in a critical role. Understanding these emissions’ biogenic nature and shorter atmospheric lifespan not only presents a challenge, but also outlines a pathway for effective mitigation efforts.
Methane’s transient yet significant impact on global warming, with an atmospheric presence of around 12 years compared to carbon dioxide’s century-long duration, marks it as a prime target for swift climate action. This realisation elevates the agricultural sector, notably livestock farming, from being viewed simply as an emissions source to being recognised as an integral part of climate change solutions.
Through the refinement of livestock management, the optimisation of breeding and finishing systems, and the application of genetic advancements to reduce methane output, the farming community can achieve notable and rapid reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, reducing nitrous oxide emissions by considering reduced nitrogen fertiliser usage and minimising soil disturbance can have a significant impact as well.
The use of carbon footprinting tools, such as Agrecalc, offers crucial insights into efficient emission reduction strategies. While acknowledging the inherent challenge of fully capturing the intricate complexities of agricultural ecosystems, these models are continuously refined, striving to inch closer to the truth of these complex systems. Investigating how farms compare helps identify areas for improvement and monitoring the footprint helps check that the farm is going in the right direction.
As we navigate the evolving story of agriculture and climate change, acknowledging the interconnectedness of environmental stewardship becomes imperative. This includes not only tackling greenhouse gas emissions but also preserving biodiversity, conserving soil carbon, and managing landscape hydrology. These are essential ecosystem services that our local – and global – populations depend on and livestock farming has the potential to deliver on all fronts.
Conducted in harmony with natural processes, livestock farming can aid in conserving soil carbon, supporting diverse habitats, and promoting sustainable water management practices, demonstrating the sector’s expansive capacity to positively influence the planet.
If you would like to know more about how we support to take action in this space, visit sac.co.uk/livestock.
Posted by Poppy Frater on 04/06/2024
