Document type : news item from the CentrE d'études et de prospective of the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty
Author: Franck Bourdy, Centre d'études et de prospective du ministère de l’Agriculture et de la Souveraineté alimentaire
Preview: In December, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) published an options report on livestock-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Without intervention, the increase in the world's need for animal products could result in higher emissions. Currently, emission levels vary according to species: 62% are attributable to cattle, 14% to pigs, 9% to poultry, 8% to buffalo and 7% to small ruminants.
The report estimates the emissions reductions that could be achieved through various practical nterventions that would also allow food supply requirement to be met. Increasing productivity, genetic selection and improving animal health are all potential pathways for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The last of the three would also help to increase productivity, as healthy animals increase efficiency. Agroforestry and optimized rotational grazing can also help to increase the capacity for emissions capture.
Link to the FAO report (77 pages) : Pathways towards lower emissions - A global assessment of the greenhouse gas emissions and mitigation options from livestock agrifood systems
