Fact Check 5: Livestock and Climate Change

Abstract

Livestock’s negative environmental impact, particularly greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, is a hot topic of discussion amongst scientists, journalists and activists. As reported, livestock production contributes 14.5% to human-induced GHG emissions. This was estimated in 2013 through global modelling by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The FAO’s modelling also suggested emissions could be reduced by up to 30%, if livestock keepers adopted better management practices already used by their neighbours.