UNEP Global Environmental Alert Service (GEAS) Taking the pulse of the planet;connecting science with policy UNEP Website:www.unep.org/gea E-mail:geas@unep.org October 2012 Home Subscribe Archive Contac Thematic Focus:Climate change,Resource efficiency and Ecosystem manage ment Growing greenhouse gas emissions due to meat production Both intensive (industrial)and non-intensive (traditional)forms of meat production result in the release of greenhouse gases (GHGs),contributing to climate change. As meat supply and consumption increase around the world,more sustainable food systems must be encouraged. Why is this issue important? Growth of Population and Meat Supply nd. For many thousands of years,mankind has lived in 40 close proximity wit Meat Supply numerous animal spe es providing them with f ood and she ter in excn nge for their domestic use and for products s meat and milk,feathers,wool and lea nostly western) countrie traditional small-scale farming.Pasturage and of animal anure as fe tilizer was aba increasing efficiency of industrial agri led to prices tor many daily products.It helped to reliably nourish large populations, and turned a food that was ar 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 200g occasional meal-meat-into an affordable,every- day product for many(Figure 1). However,the true costs of industrial agriculture,and specifically"cheap meat",have become more and more evident Today,"the livestock sector emerges as one of the top two or three most significant contributors to the most serious environmental problems"(Steinfeld et al.2006).This includes stresses such as deforestation,desertification,"excretion of polluting nutrients overuse of freshwater,inefficient use of energy,diverting food for use as feed and emission of GHGs"(Janzen 2011).Perhaps the most worrisome impact of industrial meat production,analyzed and discussed in many scientific publications in recent years,is the role of livestock in climate change.The raising of livestock results in the emission of methane(CH)from enteric fermentation'and nitrous oxide (N2O)from excreted nitrogen,as well as from chemical nitrogenous (N)fertilizers used to produce the feed for the many animals often packed into"landless Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)(Lesschen et al.2011,Herrero et al.2011,O'Mara 2011,Janzen 2011 Reay et al.2012). em terment tood,converting plant matera nto as a oy-pro
1 Home Subscribe Archive Contact Thematic Focus: Climate change, Resource efficiency and Ecosystem management Growing greenhouse gas emissions due to meat production Both intensive (industrial) and non-intensive (traditional) forms of meat production result in the release of greenhouse gases (GHGs), contributing to climate change. As meat supply and consumption increase around the world, more sustainable food systems must be encouraged. Why is this issue important? For many thousands of years, mankind has lived in close proximity with numerous animal species, providing them with food and shelter in exchange for their domestic use and for products such as meat and milk, feathers, wool and leather. As the economy in some (mostly western) countries slowly grew, industrial style agriculture replaced traditional small-scale farming. Pasturage and use of animal manure as fertilizer was abandoned. The increasing efficiency of industrial agriculture has led to reduced prices for many of our daily products. It helped to reliably nourish large populations, and turned a food that was an occasional meal - meat - into an affordable, everyday product for many (Figure 1). However, the true costs of industrial agriculture, and specifically “cheap meat”, have become more and more evident. Today, “the livestock sector emerges as one of the top two or three most significant contributors to the most serious environmental problems” (Steinfeld et al. 2006). This includes stresses such as deforestation, desertification, “excretion of polluting nutrients, overuse of freshwater, inefficient use of energy, diverting food for use as feed and emission of GHGs” (Janzen 2011). Perhaps the most worrisome impact of industrial meat production, analyzed and discussed in many scientific publications in recent years, is the role of livestock in climate change. The raising of livestock results in the emission of methane (CH4) from enteric fermentation1 and nitrous oxide (N2O) from excreted nitrogen, as well as from chemical nitrogenous (N) fertilizers used to produce the feed for the many animals often packed into “landless” Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) (Lesschen et al. 2011, Herrero et al. 2011, O’Mara 2011, Janzen 2011, Reay et al. 2012). 1 In the normal livestock digestive process microbes in the animal’s digestive system ferment food, converting plant material into nutrients that the animal can use. This fermentation process, known as enteric fermentation, produces methane as a by-product. October 2012 Figure 1: Growth of population and meat supply, indexed 1961=100 (FAO 2012a, UN 2012) Dannybirchall /Flickr
What are the findings? Meat Supply Meat supply varies enormously from region to region,and large differences are visible within regions(Figure 2-4). kg/capita/year Meat Supply(2009) The USA leads by far with over 322 grams of meatper person per day 150-79 (120 kg per year),with Australia and 75-10 New Zealand close behind.Europeans consume slightly more than 200 grams of meat (76 kg per year);almost as much as do South Americans (especially in Argentina,Brazil and Venezuela).Although Asia's meat consumption is only 25 per cent of the U.S.average (84 grams per dav.31 ke Figure 2:Meat supply around the world(kg/capita/year)(FAO 2012a) per day.The average meat consumption globally is 115 grams per day(42 kg per year). Meat Supply(2009) g/capita/day 100 150 200 250 300 350 North America Westem Europe Europe South America China World Asia Africa India 100 120 140 Million tonnes Figure3:Meat supply (g/capita/day and tonnes)for selected countries/regions(FAO 2012a) Roughly,the equivalent of three hamburgers
2 What are the findings? Meat Supply Meat supply varies enormously from region to region, and large differences are visible within regions (Figure 2-4). The USA leads by far with over 322 grams of meat2 per person per day (120 kg per year), with Australia and New Zealand close behind. Europeans consume slightly more than 200 grams of meat (76 kg per year); almost as much as do South Americans (especially in Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela). Although Asia’s meat consumption is only 25 per cent of the U.S. average (84 grams per day, 31 kg per year), there are large differences, for example, between the two most populous countries: China consumes 160 grams per day, India only 12 grams per day. The average meat consumption globally is 115 grams per day (42 kg per year). 2 Roughly, the equivalent of three hamburgers. Figure 2: Meat supply around the world (kg/capita/year) (FAO 2012a) Figure 3: Meat supply (g/capita/day and tonnes) for selected countries/regions (FAO 2012a)
Over the past few decades,meat supply has grown in most of the Meat Supply Quantity(tonnes) tonnes world's regions (Figure 4),with Europe being the main exception. 80 The growth in per capita consumption is strongly linked to 70 increasing levels of income in many 6 Europ countries of the world (Figure 5). 50 Asia (excl.China Higher incomes translate into 40 demand for more valued,higher South America protein nutrition (Delgado et al. 1999).The effect of increased income on diets is greatest among lower- and middle-income 1971 1981 1991 3001 2009 populations(WRI 2005).One of the fastest growing meat consuming regions is Asia,particularly China Income vs Meat Supply Total meat consumption has increased 30-fold since 1961 in Asia, and by 165 per cent since 1990 in China.Per ameat consumption has grown by a factor of 15 since 1961 in Asia and by 130 per cent since 1990 in China(FAO 2012a) Not only has per capita consumption grown,but there are also millions more consumers of meat.The global Per Capita Income (Thousand current USS,2010) in 2011,and is expected to reach 9 billion people in 2050.Thus,the total Figure 5:Per capita income versus meat consumption(FAO 2012a,World Bank 2012) amount of meat produced climbed from 70 million tonnes in 1961 to 160 million tonnes in 1987 to 278 million tonnes in 2009(FAO 2012a) an increase of 300 per cent in 50 years(Figure 1).The FAO(Steinfeld et al.2006)expects that global meat consumption will rise to 460 million tonnes in 2050,a further increase of 65 per cent within the next 40 years
3 Over the past few decades, meat supply has grown in most of the world’s regions (Figure 4), with Europe being the main exception. The growth in per capita consumption is strongly linked to increasing levels of income in many countries of the world (Figure 5). Higher incomes translate into demand for more valued, higher protein nutrition (Delgado et al. 1999). The effect of increased income on diets is greatest among lower- and middle-income populations (WRI 2005). One of the fastest growing meat consuming regions is Asia, particularly China. Total meat consumption has increased 30-fold since 1961 in Asia, and by 165 per cent since 1990 in China. Per capita meat consumption has grown by a factor of 15 since 1961 in Asia and by 130 per cent since 1990 in China (FAO 2012a). Not only has per capita consumption grown, but there are also millions more consumers of meat. The global human population grew from around 5 billion in 1987 to 7 billion in 2011, and is expected to reach 9 billion people in 2050. Thus, the total amount of meat produced climbed from 70 million tonnes in 1961 to 160 million tonnes in 1987 to 278 million tonnes in 2009 (FAO 2012a), an increase of 300 per cent in 50 years (Figure 1). The FAO (Steinfeld et al. 2006) expects that global meat consumption will rise to 460 million tonnes in 2050, a further increase of 65 per cent within the next 40 years. Figure 4: Trends in meat supply for selected countries/regions between 1961 and 2009 (FAO 2012a) Figure 5: Per capita income versus meat consumption (FAO 2012a, World Bank 2012) Kurman Communications Inc. /Flickr
The role of(animal)agriculture in climate change Agriculture,through meat production,is one of the main contributors to the emission of greenhouse gases(GHGs)and thus has a potential impact on climate change.Estimates of the total emissions from agriculture differ according to the system boundaries used for calculations.Most studies attribute 10-35 per cent of all global GHG emissions to agriculture exclusion o inclusion of emissions due to deforestation and land use change. Recent estimates concerning animal agriculture's share of total global GHG emissions range mainly between 10-25 per cent(Steinfeld et al.2006,Fiala 2008,UNEP 2009,Gill et al.2010,Barclay 2012),where again the higher figure includes the effects of deforestation and other land use changes and the lower one does not.according to steinfeld et al.(2006) and McMichael et al.(2007),emissions from livestock constitute nearly 80 per cent of all agricultural emissions Types of emissions In contrast to general trends of GHG emissions,Carbon dioxide(COz)is only a small component of emissions in anima agriculture.The largest share of GHG emissions is from two other gases:methane(CH4)and nitrous oxide(N2O).These are not only emitted in large quantities,but are also potent greenhouse gases,with a global warming potential(GWP) of 25 using a 100-year timeframe for methane and a GWP of 296 for N.O. Globally,about 9 per cent of emissions in the entire agricultural sector consist of CO2 35-45 per cent of methane and 45-55 per cent of nitrous oxide(WRI2005,McMichael et al.2007,IPCC2007)(Figure 6). A.Subsector B.Gas Soils(N,O) 40% N,O 46% Agriculture 15% Enteric Rest of Global 27% GHGs 85% Rice (CH) CH, 45% 10% Energy-Related() 9% Manure Mgmt (CH)7% Other (CH..N,O) 6% 99 Figure 6:GHG emissions from agriculture(WRI 2005) The main sources of cH.are the enteric fermentation of ruminants and releases from stored manure which also emits NO.The application of manure as well as N fertilizers to agricultural land increases emissions of NO.Furthermore,NO as well as COz are released during production of chemical N fertilizers.Some CO2 is also produced on farms from fossil fuels and energy usage and,as some authors highlight,by the exhalation of animals,which is generally not taken into account(Goodland and Anhang 2009,Herrero et al.2011).Additionally,deforestation and conversion of grassland into agricultural land release considerabl quantities of CO and N,O into the atmosphere,as the soil decomposes carbon GWP compares other gases warming potency to that of CO2 which has its GWP set at 1
4 The role of (animal) agriculture in climate change Agriculture, through meat production, is one of the main contributors to the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and thus has a potential impact on climate change. Estimates of the total emissions from agriculture differ according to the system boundaries used for calculations. Most studies attribute 10-35 per cent of all global GHG emissions to agriculture (Denman et al. 2007, EPA 2006, McMichael 2007, Stern 2006). Large differences are mainly based on the exclusion or inclusion of emissions due to deforestation and land use change. Recent estimates concerning animal agriculture’s share of total global GHG emissions range mainly between 10-25 per cent (Steinfeld et al. 2006, Fiala 2008, UNEP 2009, Gill et al. 2010, Barclay 2012), where again the higher figure includes the effects of deforestation and other land use changes and the lower one does not. According to Steinfeld et al. (2006) and McMichael et al. (2007), emissions from livestock constitute nearly 80 per cent of all agricultural emissions. Types of emissions In contrast to general trends of GHG emissions, Carbon dioxide (CO2) is only a small component of emissions in animal agriculture. The largest share of GHG emissions is from two other gases: methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). These are not only emitted in large quantities, but are also potent greenhouse gases, with a global warming potential (GWP3 ) of 25 using a 100-year timeframe for methane and a GWP of 296 for N2O. Globally, about 9 per cent of emissions in the entire agricultural sector consist of CO2, 35-45 per cent of methane and 45-55 per cent of nitrous oxide (WRI 2005, McMichael et al. 2007, IPCC 2007) (Figure 6). The main sources of CH4 are the enteric fermentation of ruminants and releases from stored manure, which also emits N2O. The application of manure as well as N fertilizers to agricultural land increases emissions of N2O. Furthermore, N2O as well as CO2 are released during production of chemical N fertilizers. Some CO2 is also produced on farms from fossil fuels and energy usage and, as some authors highlight, by the exhalation of animals, which is generally not taken into account (Goodland and Anhang 2009, Herrero et al. 2011). Additionally, deforestation and conversion of grassland into agricultural land release considerable quantities of CO2 and N2O into the atmosphere, as the soil decomposes carbon- 3 GWP compares other gases’ warming potency to that of CO2, which has its GWP set at 1. Figure 6: GHG emissions from agriculture (WRI 2005)
rich humus(FAO 2010).In Europe (the EU-27),for example,enteric fermentation was the main source(36 per cent)of GHG emissions in the livestock sector,followed by N2 soil emissions (28 per cent)(Lesschen et al.2011).Livestock are also responsible for almost two-thirds(64 per cent)of anthropogenic ammonia emissions,which contribute significantly to acid rain and acidification of ecosystems(Steinfeld et al.2006). Amount and geographic distribution of bovine animals and emissions Cattle are by far the largest contributors to global enteric CHa emissions,as they are the most numerous and have a much larger body size relative to other species such as sheep and goats.Out of the 1.43 billion cattle(FAO 2012a (Figure 7)in 2010,33 per cent were in Asia,25 per cent in South America and 20 per cent in Africa.Asia is the main source of CHa emissions,with almost 34 per cent of global emissions(Error!Reference source not found.8).China is a major source of enteric emissions and,while Indians are low meat consumers,India as a country also has high levels of CHa emissions.Latin America follows with 24 per cent and Africa with 14.5 per cent.China,Westemn Europe and North America are the regions with the highest emissions from manure. Number per km Global Bovine Density(2005) Figure7:Bovine density distribution worldwide(FAO 2012b)
5 rich humus (FAO 2010). In Europe (the EU-27), for example, enteric fermentation was the main source (36 per cent) of GHG emissions in the livestock sector, followed by N2O soil emissions (28 per cent) (Lesschen et al. 2011). Livestock are also responsible for almost two-thirds (64 per cent) of anthropogenic ammonia emissions, which contribute significantly to acid rain and acidification of ecosystems (Steinfeld et al. 2006). Amount and geographic distribution of bovine animals and emissions Cattle are by far the largest contributors to global enteric CH4 emissions, as they are the most numerous and have a much larger body size relative to other species such as sheep and goats. Out of the 1.43 billion cattle (FAO 2012a) (Figure 7) in 2010, 33 per cent were in Asia, 25 per cent in South America and 20 per cent in Africa. Asia is the main source of CH4 emissions, with almost 34 per cent of global emissions (Error! Reference source not found.8). China is a major source of enteric emissions and, while Indians are low meat consumers, India as a country also has high levels of CH4 emissions. Latin America follows with 24 per cent and Africa with 14.5 per cent. China, Western Europe and North America are the regions with the highest emissions from manure. Figure 7: Bovine density distribution worldwide (FAO 2012b) Net_Elekt /Flickr