Livestock, Environment & Learnings
This article by Herrero et al presents interesting information, the following are examples:
- Mixed crop-livestock systems are the major source of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs): livestock systems emit 8–18% of GHGs (consistent with findings of FAO) and use 25–32% of global fresh water. This contrasts to Cowspiracy’s estimates of 51% of GHGs due to livestock.
- Livestock consume approximately one-third of global crop production.
- ∼80% of the world’s agricultural land is used for grazing or feed and fodder production for livestock. Meat supplies only 15% of the total energy and 30% protein in the average global human diet.
Livestock and the Environment: What Have We Learned in the Past Decade?
M Herrero, S Wirsenius, B Henderson, C Rigolot, P Thornton, P Havlík, I de Boer, & J Gerber
Annual Review of Environment and Resources, Vol. 40:177-202
https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-environ-031113-093503
- Livestock consume approximately one-third of global crop production.
- ∼80% of the world’s agricultural land is used for grazing or feed and fodder production for livestock. Meat supplies only 15% of the total energy and 30% protein in the average global human diet.
- Optimisation of mixed crop-livestock systems need to be adapted to local conditions, be realistic and economically viable. Estimated emission intensity reduction range from 15 to 40%.
See summary points and future issues on page 197.
Livestock and the Environment: What Have We Learned in the Past Decade?
M Herrero, S Wirsenius, B Henderson, C Rigolot, P Thornton, P Havlík, I de Boer, & P J Gerber
Annual Review of Environment and Resources, Vol. 40:177-202
https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-environ-031113-093503
