Globally, the livestock sector is responsible for 18% of all global warming pollution—that's more than the transport sector (14%). This figure is so high because the sector has multiple impacts:
- directly from cattle gut (37% of global methane)
- from manure (65% of global nitrous oxide)
- deforestation for pastureland (9% of global carbon dioxide)
It is hard to grasp the scale of the livestock sector. Grazing uses over a quarter of all ice-free land on the Earth, and in addition, feedstock production uses one-third of all arable land. Together, this is one of the key drivers of deforestation. Livestock is alsi a major user of water resources, and one of the most significant sources of water pollution.
Sources
Livestock's Long Shadow is an exceptionally thorough and well-documented report the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN FAO) LEAD program (Livestock, Environment, and Development), which aims to bring sustainable practices to the livestock industry.
UN News release / Report (11/29/06) that cites and draws attention to the "Livestock's Long Shadow" report.
Sustainable Table is an excellent information resource provided by the GrassRoots Action Center for the Environment, makers of the inimitable Meatrix flick.
