Livestock farming is harmful to the climate, as is meat consumption. EU countries are therefore considering mass culling. But the causes of the problem are more complex.
The conflict over the influence of agriculture on climate change is becoming increasingly fierce. Agricultural representatives are resisting EU requirements and blaming climate protectors. The example of livestock makes it particularly clear where the causes and consequent conflicts of interest lie. An overview:
1. Is livestock relevant in combating climate change?
Yes. If humanity is serious about reducing global warming, it not only needs to say goodbye to fossil fuels, but also drastically reduce meat consumption, says the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Livestock is responsible for 15 to 20 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions – more than transport. Much of this, in turn, comes from the nearly one billion cattle on Earth. Ruminants often make headlines because of a completely natural process: they fart and belch during digestion and thus emit considerable amounts of methane, which is more damaging to the climate than CO2 in the short term. Cattle have by far the worst CO2 balance per kilogram of meat, followed by sheep, pigs and poultry.