Rethinking methane from animal agriculture

Abstract Background As the global community actively works to keep temperatures from rising beyond 1.5 °C, predicting greenhouse gases (GHGs) by how they warm planet—and not their carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) equivalence—provides information critical developing short- and long-term climate solutions. Livestock, in particular cattle, have been broadly branded as major emitters of methane (CH 4 significant drivers change. Livestock production has growing meet food demand, however, increasing demand for does necessarily result proportional increase CH production. The present paper intends evaluate actual effects emission U.S. dairy beef on temperature initiate a rethinking associated with animal agriculture clarify long-standing misunderstandings uncover potential role fighting Methods Two metrics, standard 100-year Global Warming Potential (GWP 100 recently proposed Star (GWP*), were applied cattle industry assess compare its contribution. Results Using GWP*, projected impacts show that emissions contributed additional warming since 1986. Calculations California will approach neutrality next ten years if can be reduced 1% per year, possibility induce cooling there are further reductions emissions. Conclusions GWP* should used combination GWP provide feasible strategies change induced short-lived pollutants (SLCPs). By continuously improving efficiency management practices, short-term solution fight leverage while solutions fossil fuel