Livestock production releases high levels of methane and nitrous oxide, the two leading sources of the Earth’s emissions problems.
According to the study, published in the journal PLoS Climate, one third of the planet ‘s land is used for raising and breeding livestock, an industry that accounts for 16 per cent of annual greenhouse gas emissions.
Based on the model published in PLoS Climate, a gradual phased out of livestock farming over the next 15 years would have the same effect as a 68 percent reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 2100.
If only the scientists had chosen to have the fields, they would remove 800 billion tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
While the total phasing out of farming based on livestock should have the biggest impact, 90 percent reductions could be achieved only by replacing ruminants like cattle and sheep, the model suggested.
Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Talk Talk.
