Greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture: Difference between revisions
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Cows, sheep and other [[Ruminant|ruminants]] digest their food by [[enteric fermentation]], and their [[Burping|burps]] are the main [[methane emissions]] from [[land use, land-use change, and forestry]]: together with methane and [[nitrous oxide]] from [[manure]], this makes livestock the main source of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. In addition, manure left on pasture, applied to soil, and treated in management systems together contribute to 7%–10% of global agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. | Cows, sheep and other [[Ruminant|ruminants]] digest their food by [[enteric fermentation]], and their [[Burping|burps]] are the main [[methane emissions]] from [[land use, land-use change, and forestry]]: together with methane and [[nitrous oxide]] from [[manure]], this makes livestock the main source of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. In addition, manure left on pasture, applied to soil, and treated in management systems together contribute to 7%–10% of global agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. | ||
The [[IPCC Sixth Assessment Report]] in 2022 stated that: "Diets high in plant protein and low in meat and dairy are associated with lower GHG emissions. [...] Where appropriate, a shift to [[Plant-based diet|diets with a higher share of plant protein]], moderate intake of animal-source foods and reduced intake of [[Saturated fat|saturated fats]] could lead to substantial decreases in GHG emissions. Benefits would also include reduced land occupation and nutrient losses to the surrounding environment, while at the same time providing health benefits and reducing mortality from diet-related non-communicable diseases."{{Bar chart|title=Mean greenhouse gas emissions for different food types | The [[IPCC Sixth Assessment Report]] in 2022 stated that: "Diets high in plant protein and low in meat and dairy are associated with lower GHG emissions. [...] Where appropriate, a shift to [[Plant-based diet|diets with a higher share of plant protein]], moderate intake of animal-source foods and reduced intake of [[Saturated fat|saturated fats]] could lead to substantial decreases in GHG emissions. Benefits would also include reduced land occupation and nutrient losses to the surrounding environment, while at the same time providing health benefits and reducing mortality from diet-related non-communicable diseases."{{Bar chart|title=Mean greenhouse gas emissions for different food types|label6=[[Poultry]]|label13=[[Legumes]]|data12=1.2|label12=[[Maize]]|data11=1.2|label11=[[Wheat]]|data10=1.7|label10=[[List of root vegetables|Starchy Roots]]|data9=6.8|label9=[[Egg as food|Eggs]]|data8=8.6|label8=[[Fishery|Non-trawling Fishery]]|data7=9.1|label7=[[Dairy]]|data6=10|data5=10|float=right|label5=[[Pork]]|data4=12|label4=[[Aquaculture|Non-recirculating Aquaculture]]|data3=26|label3=[[Trawling|Trawling Fishery]]|data2=30|label2=[[Recirculating aquaculture system|Recirculating Aquaculture]]|data1=62|label1=[[Ruminant|Ruminant Meat]]|data_max=62|width_units=em|bar_width=20|data_type=Greenhouse Gas Emissions<br>(g CO<small>2</small>-C<small>eq</small> per g protein)|label_type=Food Types|data13=0.25}}According to a 2022 study quickly stopping animal agriculture would provide half the GHG emission reduction needed to meet the [[Paris Agreement]] goal of limiting global warming to 2 °C. There are calls to phase out livestock subsidies as part of a [[just transition]]. | ||
In the context of global GHG emissions, food production within the global food system accounts for approximately 26%. Breaking it down, livestock and fisheries contribute 31%, whereas crop production, land use, and supply chains add 27%, 24%, and 18% respectively to the emissions. | In the context of global GHG emissions, food production within the global food system accounts for approximately 26%. Breaking it down, livestock and fisheries contribute 31%, whereas crop production, land use, and supply chains add 27%, 24%, and 18% respectively to the emissions. | ||