A new study by management consultancy McKinsey indicates that methane emissions play a bigger role in climate change than assumed.

Around 30% of annual global methane emissions come from animal husbandry, especially cattle. Without changes in agriculture, the study assumes that global methane emissions from livestock farming - especially cattle – will increase by 16% by 2050.

How can methane emissions from agriculture be reduced?

According to the study, technological progress could reduce methane emissions from animal husbandry by around 30% by 2050 compared to 2017.

There are three options:

• The use of additives in cattle feed: According to the study, seaweed can significantly reduce methane emissions.

•  Cattle breeding: Breeding for low methane emissions could reduce gas emissions by up to 20%.
•  Methane emissions could also be reduced by converting cattle to a higher-fat diet.

Source: Agrarheute