Dr. Aimable Uwizeye of the FAO on Meeting Global Climate Goals around Animal Agriculture

Summary

The speaker discusses the growing global livestock sector, driven by population increases in developing countries, and the challenge of balancing food production with reducing environmental impact. They emphasize the importance of addressing methane emissions, as ruminants contribute significantly to global greenhouse gases. Key strategies for reducing emissions include on-farm solutions, consumer-based actions, and carbon sequestration. The speaker also stresses the need for better reporting systems, increased investment in emission-reducing technologies, and stronger global collaboration. Ultimately, they highlight the importance of supporting farmers through policies, incentives, and capacity-building to achieve long-term climate goals in the livestock sector.

Takeaways

• 😀 The livestock sector is expected to grow by 20% by 2050, mainly driven by developing countries, especially in Africa and Asia.
• 😀 A significant challenge lies in feeding the growing global population with high-quality proteins while minimizing environmental and socioeconomic costs.
• 😀 Methane (CH4) is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in livestock production, accounting for 54% of the sector's emissions.
• 😀 To effectively reduce methane emissions, it's critical to engage farmers across all scales, as most emissions occur on farms.
• 😀 Most livestock emissions occur in low- and middle-income countries, and addressing these emissions is crucial for global climate mitigation.
• 😀 Emission intensity is higher for ruminant products, with methane being the dominant driver, making methane reduction a key focus for climate solutions in livestock.
• 😀 The global emissions from livestock are projected to increase by 4-6% by 2050, necessitating urgent action to reduce emissions, especially methane.
• 😀 Proposed pathways to reduce livestock-related emissions include consumer-based solutions (such as food waste reduction) and on-farm measures (such as feed additives).
• 😀 Global investments in methane mitigation in livestock are currently insufficient, making up only 5% of global climate finance.
• 😀 Policies need to incentivize farmers and stakeholders in the livestock sector, promoting the adoption of best practices for emission reduction and productivity improvement.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the speaker's presentation?

The speaker's presentation aims to discuss global trends in the livestock sector, the role of methane emissions, and potential pathways to reduce these emissions in the context of addressing climate change, food security, and community development.

Why is the livestock sector expected to grow by 20% by 2050?

The growth is primarily driven by developing countries, particularly in Africa and Asia, where population growth will increase the demand for livestock products, aiming to improve food security, nutrition, and livelihoods.

What role does methane play in livestock emissions?

Methane is a significant greenhouse gas emitted by livestock, especially from ruminants. It accounts for 54% of livestock-related emissions, with enteric fermentation in animals being a major source. The speaker emphasizes the importance of reducing methane emissions to mitigate climate change.

What are the key challenges in addressing methane emissions in livestock production?

Key challenges include the need to engage both small and large-scale farmers in emission reduction efforts, as well as ensuring effective solutions, such as feed additives and manure management, are adopted globally. There are also issues with the adoption rate of these technologies due to regulatory, food safety, and financial barriers.

How do livestock emissions vary between different income countries?

Livestock emissions are predominantly associated with low and middle-income countries, which account for 81% of emissions, particularly due to higher livestock production in these regions. High-income countries contribute only about 8% of these emissions.

What strategies does the FAO propose to reduce methane emissions from livestock?

The FAO suggests several strategies, including on-farm measures like feed additives, improved manure management, and carbon sequestration, which can reduce emissions by 5 to 20%. These solutions, however, require time for full adoption due to various practical and financial constraints.

Why is reducing methane emissions considered a priority in livestock sustainability?

Reducing methane emissions is essential because it is one of the most potent greenhouse gases, and targeting methane can lead to significant climate benefits. Addressing methane from livestock is also a key strategy to achieve climate goals while maintaining food production systems.

What is the significance of the upcoming 2025 NDC updates for climate action?

The 2025 update of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) presents an opportunity for countries to raise their climate ambitions and integrate methane and other livestock-related mitigation measures into their national climate strategies.

What is the role of finance in achieving methane emission reductions in the livestock sector?

Finance is crucial for supporting the adoption of emission reduction technologies and practices. However, the current investment in methane mitigation is insufficient, with only 5% of global climate finance directed towards it. Increased investment, technology transfer, and incentives are needed to drive widespread adoption.

How does the FAO plan to assist countries in reducing livestock-related emissions?

The FAO is working with countries to develop tailored strategies for methane reduction and overall livestock emission mitigation, providing technical support, building capacity, and helping integrate livestock-related goals into national climate action plans.