{"id":6963,"date":"2026-05-06T15:39:26","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T12:39:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sterasoft.com\/nomeatnoproblem\/?p=6963"},"modified":"2026-05-06T15:39:26","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T12:39:26","slug":"the-effect-of-livestock-farming-on-the-atmosphere","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sterasoft.com\/nomeatnoproblem\/en\/the-effect-of-livestock-farming-on-the-atmosphere\/","title":{"rendered":"The effect of livestock farming on the atmosphere"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=&#8220;in_container&#8220; full_screen_row_position=&#8220;middle&#8220; column_margin=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction_tablet=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction_phone=&#8220;default&#8220; scene_position=&#8220;center&#8220; text_color=&#8220;dark&#8220; text_align=&#8220;left&#8220; row_border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; row_border_radius_applies=&#8220;bg&#8220; row_position_desktop=&#8220;default&#8220; row_position_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; row_position_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220; overflow=&#8220;visible&#8220; overlay_strength=&#8220;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8220;left_to_right&#8220; shape_divider_position=&#8220;bottom&#8220; bg_image_animation=&#8220;none&#8220;][vc_column column_padding=&#8220;no-extra-padding&#8220; column_padding_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_position=&#8220;all&#8220; flex_gap_desktop=&#8220;10px&#8220; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8220;default&#8220; column_element_spacing=&#8220;default&#8220; desktop_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; tablet_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; phone_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; background_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8220;none&#8220; column_shadow=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; column_link_target=&#8220;_self&#8220; column_position=&#8220;default&#8220; gradient_direction=&#8220;left_to_right&#8220; overlay_strength=&#8220;0.3&#8243; width=&#8220;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8220;default&#8220; animation_type=&#8220;default&#8220; bg_image_animation=&#8220;none&#8220; border_type=&#8220;simple&#8220; column_border_width=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_style=&#8220;solid&#8220;][vc_column_text css=&#8220;&#8220; text_direction=&#8220;default&#8220;]\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/sterasoft.com\/nomeatnoproblem\/en\/the-effect-of-livestock-farming-on-the-atmosphere\/#If_you_do_not_feel_like_reading_the_whole_article_remember_this\" >If you do not feel like reading the whole article, remember this:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/sterasoft.com\/nomeatnoproblem\/en\/the-effect-of-livestock-farming-on-the-atmosphere\/#Why_and_how_does_the_livestock_industry_produce_greenhouse_gases\" >Why and how does the livestock industry produce greenhouse gases?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/sterasoft.com\/nomeatnoproblem\/en\/the-effect-of-livestock-farming-on-the-atmosphere\/#Enteric_fermentation\" >Enteric fermentation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/sterasoft.com\/nomeatnoproblem\/en\/the-effect-of-livestock-farming-on-the-atmosphere\/#Feed_production\" >Feed production<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/sterasoft.com\/nomeatnoproblem\/en\/the-effect-of-livestock-farming-on-the-atmosphere\/#Manure_management\" >Manure management<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/sterasoft.com\/nomeatnoproblem\/en\/the-effect-of-livestock-farming-on-the-atmosphere\/#Land-use_change_%E2%80%94_the_hidden_giant_of_livestock_emissions\" >Land-use change \u2014 the hidden giant of livestock emissions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/sterasoft.com\/nomeatnoproblem\/en\/the-effect-of-livestock-farming-on-the-atmosphere\/#A_Deforestation_for_pasture\" >A) Deforestation for pasture<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/sterasoft.com\/nomeatnoproblem\/en\/the-effect-of-livestock-farming-on-the-atmosphere\/#B_Clearing_land_for_feed_crops\" >B) Clearing land for feed crops<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/sterasoft.com\/nomeatnoproblem\/en\/the-effect-of-livestock-farming-on-the-atmosphere\/#Energy_use_processing_refrigeration_transport\" >Energy use: processing, refrigeration, transport<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/sterasoft.com\/nomeatnoproblem\/en\/the-effect-of-livestock-farming-on-the-atmosphere\/#Summary_%E2%80%94_quantitative_breakdown\" >Summary \u2014 quantitative breakdown:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/sterasoft.com\/nomeatnoproblem\/en\/the-effect-of-livestock-farming-on-the-atmosphere\/#Why_does_meat_produce_so_many_greenhouse_emissions_compared_with_plants\" >Why does meat produce so many greenhouse emissions compared with plants?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/sterasoft.com\/nomeatnoproblem\/en\/the-effect-of-livestock-farming-on-the-atmosphere\/#Ideas\" >Ideas<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"If_you_do_not_feel_like_reading_the_whole_article_remember_this\"><\/span><strong>If you do not feel like reading the whole article, remember this:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner column_margin=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction_tablet=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction_phone=&#8220;default&#8220; text_align=&#8220;left&#8220; row_position=&#8220;default&#8220; row_position_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; row_position_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220; overflow=&#8220;visible&#8220; pointer_events=&#8220;all&#8220;][vc_column_inner column_padding=&#8220;no-extra-padding&#8220; column_padding_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_position=&#8220;all&#8220; flex_gap_desktop=&#8220;10px&#8220; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8220;default&#8220; column_element_spacing=&#8220;default&#8220; desktop_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; tablet_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; phone_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; background_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8220;none&#8220; column_shadow=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; column_link_target=&#8220;_self&#8220; overflow=&#8220;visible&#8220; gradient_direction=&#8220;left_to_right&#8220; overlay_strength=&#8220;0.3&#8243; width=&#8220;1\/2&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8220;default&#8220; animation_type=&#8220;default&#8220; bg_image_animation=&#8220;none&#8220; border_type=&#8220;simple&#8220; column_border_width=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_style=&#8220;solid&#8220;][vc_column_text css=&#8220;&#8220; text_direction=&#8220;default&#8220;]\n<ul>\n<li data-section-id=\"f69dsw\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"42\">Food has a large climate footprint<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"yvtwgh\" data-start=\"43\" data-end=\"92\">Livestock farming is a major source of emissions<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"3kpeml\" data-start=\"93\" data-end=\"135\">Methane from ruminants is a key problem<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"ke9u15\" data-start=\"136\" data-end=\"178\">Feed and manure add major emissions<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"iigcdy\" data-start=\"179\" data-end=\"222\">Deforestation significantly amplifies the effect<\/li>\n<li>Food choice directly affects the climate<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"d5dzz4\" data-start=\"223\" data-end=\"262\">Beef is the most polluting food<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=&#8220;no-extra-padding&#8220; column_padding_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_position=&#8220;all&#8220; top_margin_phone=&#8220;-50&#8243; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8220;default&#8220; column_element_spacing=&#8220;default&#8220; desktop_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; tablet_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; phone_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; background_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8220;none&#8220; column_shadow=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; column_link_target=&#8220;_self&#8220; overflow=&#8220;visible&#8220; gradient_direction=&#8220;left_to_right&#8220; overlay_strength=&#8220;0.3&#8243; width=&#8220;1\/2&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8220;default&#8220; animation_type=&#8220;default&#8220; bg_image_animation=&#8220;none&#8220; border_type=&#8220;simple&#8220; column_border_width=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_style=&#8220;solid&#8220; column_padding_type=&#8220;default&#8220; content_layout=&#8220;default&#8220; gradient_type=&#8220;default&#8220;][vc_column_text css=&#8220;&#8220; text_direction=&#8220;default&#8220;]\n<ul>\n<li data-section-id=\"nyb3io\" data-start=\"263\" data-end=\"314\">Pork and chicken also have a high footprint<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"p71okg\" data-start=\"315\" data-end=\"366\">Plant foods emit many times less<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"8x8c0x\" data-start=\"367\" data-end=\"410\">Legumes are among the most efficient choices<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"smmqzr\" data-start=\"411\" data-end=\"462\">Eating plants directly is more efficient<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1mxjtpu\" data-start=\"463\" data-end=\"516\">Replacing beef with legumes saves a lot of emissions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=&#8220;&#8220; text_direction=&#8220;default&#8220;]Have you ever thought about where the food we eat comes from? Most people would say yes \u2014 from the shop, from farms, fields, and so on. But how many of us think about what the food we eat costs nature, and that is exactly what we will look at in this article \u2014 what the consequences are for nature, and for people too. Here we will explore, without going too deeply into major details, the consequences in terms of atmospheric pollution caused by the food industry, and we will compare the footprint of meat production with that of plant foods.<\/p>\n<p>The production of plant-based food products releases between 10 and 50 times fewer gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect. Let us see why this is the case.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_and_how_does_the_livestock_industry_produce_greenhouse_gases\"><\/span><strong>Why and how does the livestock industry produce greenhouse gases?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ol>The gases in question, which have a harmful effect on our planet\u2019s atmosphere, are produced in 5 main ways:<\/p>\n<li>Enteric fermentation \u2014 methane from digestion<\/li>\n<li>Feed production \u2014 fertilizers, diesel, soil nitrous oxide<\/li>\n<li>Manure management \u2014 methane + nitrous oxide<\/li>\n<li>Land-use change \u2014 deforestation, loss of soil carbon<\/li>\n<li>Energy use in processing, transport, and refrigeration<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>These factors interact to create one of the highest-emission sectors in the food system.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8220;in_container&#8220; full_screen_row_position=&#8220;middle&#8220; column_margin=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction_tablet=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction_phone=&#8220;default&#8220; scene_position=&#8220;center&#8220; text_color=&#8220;dark&#8220; text_align=&#8220;left&#8220; row_border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; row_border_radius_applies=&#8220;bg&#8220; row_position_desktop=&#8220;default&#8220; row_position_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; row_position_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220; overflow=&#8220;visible&#8220; overlay_strength=&#8220;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8220;left_to_right&#8220; shape_divider_position=&#8220;bottom&#8220; bg_image_animation=&#8220;none&#8220;][vc_column column_padding=&#8220;no-extra-padding&#8220; column_padding_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_position=&#8220;all&#8220; flex_gap_desktop=&#8220;10px&#8220; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8220;default&#8220; column_element_spacing=&#8220;default&#8220; desktop_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; tablet_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; phone_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; background_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8220;none&#8220; column_shadow=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; column_link_target=&#8220;_self&#8220; column_position=&#8220;default&#8220; gradient_direction=&#8220;left_to_right&#8220; overlay_strength=&#8220;0.3&#8243; width=&#8220;1\/2&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8220;default&#8220; animation_type=&#8220;default&#8220; bg_image_animation=&#8220;none&#8220; border_type=&#8220;simple&#8220; column_border_width=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_style=&#8220;solid&#8220;][vc_column_text css=&#8220;&#8220; text_direction=&#8220;default&#8220;]\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Enteric_fermentation\"><\/span><strong>Enteric fermentation<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><strong>Methane from ruminant animals<\/strong><br \/>\n(A major emissions driver for cattle, sheep, and goats)<br \/>\nRuminant animals (cows, sheep, goats) digest food in a four-chambered stomach (rumen), where microbes break down cellulose. This microbial process produces methane (CH\u2084) as a by-product, which is released into the atmosphere in a rather aromatic way.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Key facts:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Methane has 86 times the warming effect of CO\u2082 over 20 years.<\/li>\n<li>95% of methane from cattle is released through burping, not flatulence.<\/li>\n<li>One cow emits 120\u2013220 kg of CH\u2084 per year.<\/li>\n<li>This represents 40\u201350% of all greenhouse gas emissions from beef.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Summary of the mechanism:<\/strong><br \/>\nCarbohydrates \u2192 fermented by archaea (microbes that perform fermentation) \u2192 hydrogen (H\u2082) + carbon dioxide (CO\u2082) \u2192 methanogenesis \u2192 released methane (CH\u2084). This is why beef and lamb have exponentially higher emissions than any plant food.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=&#8220;no-extra-padding&#8220; column_padding_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_position=&#8220;all&#8220; flex_gap_desktop=&#8220;10px&#8220; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8220;default&#8220; column_element_spacing=&#8220;default&#8220; desktop_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; tablet_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; phone_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; background_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8220;none&#8220; column_shadow=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; column_link_target=&#8220;_self&#8220; column_position=&#8220;default&#8220; gradient_direction=&#8220;left_to_right&#8220; overlay_strength=&#8220;0.3&#8243; width=&#8220;1\/2&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8220;default&#8220; animation_type=&#8220;default&#8220; bg_image_animation=&#8220;none&#8220; border_type=&#8220;simple&#8220; column_border_width=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_style=&#8220;solid&#8220;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8220;6247&#8243; image_size=&#8220;full&#8220; max_width=&#8220;100%&#8220; max_width_mobile=&#8220;default&#8220; animation_type=&#8220;entrance&#8220; animation=&#8220;None&#8220; animation_movement_type=&#8220;transform_y&#8220; hover_animation=&#8220;none&#8220; alignment=&#8220;center&#8220; border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; box_shadow=&#8220;none&#8220; image_loading=&#8220;default&#8220;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8220;in_container&#8220; full_screen_row_position=&#8220;middle&#8220; column_margin=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction_tablet=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction_phone=&#8220;column_reverse&#8220; scene_position=&#8220;center&#8220; top_padding=&#8220;30&#8243; text_color=&#8220;dark&#8220; text_align=&#8220;left&#8220; row_border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; row_border_radius_applies=&#8220;bg&#8220; row_position_desktop=&#8220;default&#8220; row_position_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; row_position_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220; overflow=&#8220;visible&#8220; overlay_strength=&#8220;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8220;left_to_right&#8220; shape_divider_position=&#8220;bottom&#8220; bg_image_animation=&#8220;none&#8220; gradient_type=&#8220;default&#8220; shape_type=&#8220;&#8220;][vc_column column_padding=&#8220;no-extra-padding&#8220; column_padding_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_position=&#8220;all&#8220; flex_gap_desktop=&#8220;10px&#8220; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8220;default&#8220; column_element_spacing=&#8220;default&#8220; desktop_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; tablet_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; phone_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; background_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8220;none&#8220; column_shadow=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; column_link_target=&#8220;_self&#8220; column_position=&#8220;default&#8220; gradient_direction=&#8220;left_to_right&#8220; overlay_strength=&#8220;0.3&#8243; width=&#8220;1\/2&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8220;default&#8220; animation_type=&#8220;default&#8220; bg_image_animation=&#8220;none&#8220; border_type=&#8220;simple&#8220; column_border_width=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_style=&#8220;solid&#8220;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8220;6250&#8243; image_size=&#8220;full&#8220; max_width=&#8220;100%&#8220; max_width_mobile=&#8220;default&#8220; animation_type=&#8220;entrance&#8220; animation=&#8220;None&#8220; animation_movement_type=&#8220;transform_y&#8220; hover_animation=&#8220;none&#8220; alignment=&#8220;center&#8220; border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; box_shadow=&#8220;none&#8220; image_loading=&#8220;default&#8220;][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=&#8220;no-extra-padding&#8220; column_padding_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_position=&#8220;all&#8220; flex_gap_desktop=&#8220;10px&#8220; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8220;default&#8220; column_element_spacing=&#8220;default&#8220; desktop_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; tablet_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; phone_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; background_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8220;none&#8220; column_shadow=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; column_link_target=&#8220;_self&#8220; column_position=&#8220;default&#8220; gradient_direction=&#8220;left_to_right&#8220; overlay_strength=&#8220;0.3&#8243; width=&#8220;1\/2&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8220;default&#8220; animation_type=&#8220;default&#8220; bg_image_animation=&#8220;none&#8220; border_type=&#8220;simple&#8220; column_border_width=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_style=&#8220;solid&#8220;][vc_column_text css=&#8220;&#8220; text_direction=&#8220;default&#8220;]\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Feed_production\"><\/span><strong>Feed production<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><strong>Fertilizers, machinery, transport<\/strong> (Main source for chicken, pork, dairy products, and eggs)<br \/>\nMost animals do not have the luxury of grazing; they are fed industrial feed:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Corn<\/li>\n<li>Soy<\/li>\n<li>Wheat<\/li>\n<li>Barley<\/li>\n<li>Oilseed meals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Sources of emissions in this case are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Nitrogen fertilizers\n<ul>\n<li>Their production emits CO\u2082<\/li>\n<li>Their application emits nitrous oxide (N\u2082O) \u2014 a gas 298 times stronger than CO\u2082<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Diesel for tractors and machinery<\/li>\n<li>Energy for irrigation<\/li>\n<li>Processing feed into pellets<\/li>\n<li>Global transport (soy from Brazil\/Argentina, transported for example to the EU\/China)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Comparison of energy and emission intensity:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Chicken and pork rely heavily on industrial feed, which leads to high emissions from fertilizers and soil<\/li>\n<li>Beef feedlots also use large amounts of corn\/soy during the finishing phase<\/li>\n<li>Plant foods eaten directly bypass all of this entirely<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8220;in_container&#8220; full_screen_row_position=&#8220;middle&#8220; column_margin=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction_tablet=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction_phone=&#8220;default&#8220; scene_position=&#8220;center&#8220; text_color=&#8220;dark&#8220; text_align=&#8220;left&#8220; row_border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; row_border_radius_applies=&#8220;bg&#8220; row_position_desktop=&#8220;default&#8220; row_position_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; row_position_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220; overflow=&#8220;visible&#8220; overlay_strength=&#8220;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8220;left_to_right&#8220; shape_divider_position=&#8220;bottom&#8220; bg_image_animation=&#8220;none&#8220;][vc_column column_padding=&#8220;no-extra-padding&#8220; column_padding_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_position=&#8220;all&#8220; flex_gap_desktop=&#8220;10px&#8220; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8220;default&#8220; column_element_spacing=&#8220;default&#8220; desktop_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; tablet_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; phone_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; background_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8220;none&#8220; column_shadow=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; column_link_target=&#8220;_self&#8220; column_position=&#8220;default&#8220; gradient_direction=&#8220;left_to_right&#8220; overlay_strength=&#8220;0.3&#8243; width=&#8220;1\/2&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8220;default&#8220; animation_type=&#8220;default&#8220; bg_image_animation=&#8220;none&#8220; border_type=&#8220;simple&#8220; column_border_width=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_style=&#8220;solid&#8220;][vc_column_text css=&#8220;&#8220; text_direction=&#8220;default&#8220;]\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Manure_management\"><\/span><strong>Manure management<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><strong>Methane + nitrous oxide<\/strong><br \/>\nLivestock produces billions of tons of manure every year \u2014 how does that sound?<\/p>\n<p>Manure releases two main greenhouse gases:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Methane (anaerobic decomposition)<\/li>\n<li>Nitrous oxide (nitrification\/denitrification of nitrogen-rich waste)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>High-emission manure systems:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Lagoons (large ponds of liquid waste) \u2192 high methane content<\/li>\n<li>Deep pits under barns \u2192 methane<\/li>\n<li>Manure on open fields \u2192 nitrous oxide<\/li>\n<li>Spreading manure on sprayed fields \u2192 nitrous oxide<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Pigs and dairy cows<\/strong> are major sources of methane through manure, because their manure is stored in liquid systems.<br \/>\nGlobal share of greenhouse gases from manure:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>10\u201315% of total livestock emissions<\/li>\n<li>Up to 25% in industrial pig and dairy systems<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=&#8220;no-extra-padding&#8220; column_padding_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_position=&#8220;all&#8220; flex_gap_desktop=&#8220;10px&#8220; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8220;default&#8220; column_element_spacing=&#8220;default&#8220; desktop_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; tablet_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; phone_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; background_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8220;none&#8220; column_shadow=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; column_link_target=&#8220;_self&#8220; column_position=&#8220;default&#8220; gradient_direction=&#8220;left_to_right&#8220; overlay_strength=&#8220;0.3&#8243; width=&#8220;1\/2&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8220;default&#8220; animation_type=&#8220;default&#8220; bg_image_animation=&#8220;none&#8220; border_type=&#8220;simple&#8220; column_border_width=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_style=&#8220;solid&#8220;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8220;6254&#8243; image_size=&#8220;full&#8220; max_width=&#8220;100%&#8220; max_width_mobile=&#8220;default&#8220; animation_type=&#8220;entrance&#8220; animation=&#8220;None&#8220; animation_movement_type=&#8220;transform_y&#8220; hover_animation=&#8220;none&#8220; alignment=&#8220;center&#8220; border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; box_shadow=&#8220;none&#8220; image_loading=&#8220;default&#8220;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8220;in_container&#8220; full_screen_row_position=&#8220;middle&#8220; column_margin=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction_tablet=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction_phone=&#8220;default&#8220; scene_position=&#8220;center&#8220; text_color=&#8220;dark&#8220; text_align=&#8220;left&#8220; row_border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; row_border_radius_applies=&#8220;bg&#8220; row_position_desktop=&#8220;default&#8220; row_position_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; row_position_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220; overflow=&#8220;visible&#8220; overlay_strength=&#8220;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8220;left_to_right&#8220; shape_divider_position=&#8220;bottom&#8220; bg_image_animation=&#8220;none&#8220;][vc_column column_padding=&#8220;no-extra-padding&#8220; column_padding_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_position=&#8220;all&#8220; flex_gap_desktop=&#8220;10px&#8220; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8220;default&#8220; column_element_spacing=&#8220;default&#8220; desktop_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; tablet_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; phone_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; background_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8220;none&#8220; column_shadow=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; column_link_target=&#8220;_self&#8220; column_position=&#8220;default&#8220; gradient_direction=&#8220;left_to_right&#8220; overlay_strength=&#8220;0.3&#8243; width=&#8220;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8220;default&#8220; animation_type=&#8220;default&#8220; bg_image_animation=&#8220;none&#8220; border_type=&#8220;simple&#8220; column_border_width=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_style=&#8220;solid&#8220;][vc_column_text css=&#8220;&#8220; text_direction=&#8220;default&#8220;]\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Land-use_change_%E2%80%94_the_hidden_giant_of_livestock_emissions\"><\/span><strong>Land-use change<\/strong> \u2014 the hidden giant of livestock emissions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>This is often the largest factor for beef.<\/p>\n<p>Land use for livestock:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>80% of all agricultural land on Earth<\/li>\n<li>Provides only 18% of global calories and 37% of protein<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Two main mechanisms:<\/strong><\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Deforestation_for_pasture\"><\/span><strong>A) Deforestation for pasture<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>Especially in:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The Amazon rainforest<\/li>\n<li>The Cerrado savanna<\/li>\n<li>The Congo Basin<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>All three are quite far from us, but this is a process that happens all over the world. In Europe, it happened a long time ago, and for that reason we have taken it for granted that it is normal for not everything to be covered in forests and trees.<\/p>\n<p>When forests are cut down:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Carbon is released from biomass \u2192 huge CO\u2082 emissions<\/li>\n<li>Carbon is lost from the soil and enters the atmosphere<\/li>\n<li>A long-lasting warming effect (unlike methane, which breaks down, although over a long time)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"B_Clearing_land_for_feed_crops\"><\/span><strong>B) Clearing land for feed crops<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>Brazil produces 70\u201380% of the soy used as animal feed globally.<br \/>\nClearing forests so the land can be used to grow soy leads to CO\u2082 being released from the soil and entering the atmosphere + the creation of biomass, which is often burned and releases even more CO\u2082.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Total effect:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Land-use changes contribute:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>41% of total emissions for beef<\/li>\n<li>Up to 60\u201370% when deforestation is included (Poore &amp; Nemecek 2018)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This is why beef from deforestation regions has 10 times higher emissions than beef from temperate climates \u2014 significantly higher than plants when we use them for food.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8220;in_container&#8220; full_screen_row_position=&#8220;middle&#8220; column_margin=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction_tablet=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction_phone=&#8220;default&#8220; scene_position=&#8220;center&#8220; top_padding=&#8220;30&#8243; text_color=&#8220;dark&#8220; text_align=&#8220;left&#8220; row_border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; row_border_radius_applies=&#8220;bg&#8220; row_position_desktop=&#8220;default&#8220; row_position_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; row_position_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220; overflow=&#8220;visible&#8220; overlay_strength=&#8220;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8220;left_to_right&#8220; shape_divider_position=&#8220;bottom&#8220; bg_image_animation=&#8220;none&#8220; gradient_type=&#8220;default&#8220; shape_type=&#8220;&#8220;][vc_column column_padding=&#8220;no-extra-padding&#8220; column_padding_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_position=&#8220;all&#8220; flex_gap_desktop=&#8220;10px&#8220; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8220;default&#8220; column_element_spacing=&#8220;default&#8220; desktop_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; tablet_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; phone_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; background_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8220;none&#8220; column_shadow=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; column_link_target=&#8220;_self&#8220; column_position=&#8220;default&#8220; gradient_direction=&#8220;left_to_right&#8220; overlay_strength=&#8220;0.3&#8243; width=&#8220;1\/2&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8220;default&#8220; animation_type=&#8220;default&#8220; bg_image_animation=&#8220;none&#8220; border_type=&#8220;simple&#8220; column_border_width=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_style=&#8220;solid&#8220;][vc_column_text css=&#8220;&#8220; text_direction=&#8220;default&#8220;]\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Energy_use_processing_refrigeration_transport\"><\/span><strong>Energy use: processing, refrigeration, transport<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Animal products require:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Slaughterhouses<\/li>\n<li>Rendering facilities<\/li>\n<li>Refrigerated transport (\u201ccold chain\u201d)<\/li>\n<li>Long storage periods<\/li>\n<li>High disinfection requirements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Sources of emissions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Fossil fuels for refrigeration<\/li>\n<li>Electricity for processing<\/li>\n<li>Heat for sterilization<\/li>\n<li>Packaging emissions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These emissions are small compared with methane and land use, but they still exceed those of most plant foods.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=&#8220;no-extra-padding&#8220; column_padding_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_position=&#8220;all&#8220; flex_gap_desktop=&#8220;10px&#8220; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8220;default&#8220; column_element_spacing=&#8220;default&#8220; desktop_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; tablet_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; phone_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; background_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8220;none&#8220; column_shadow=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; column_link_target=&#8220;_self&#8220; column_position=&#8220;default&#8220; gradient_direction=&#8220;left_to_right&#8220; overlay_strength=&#8220;0.3&#8243; width=&#8220;1\/2&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8220;default&#8220; animation_type=&#8220;default&#8220; bg_image_animation=&#8220;none&#8220; border_type=&#8220;simple&#8220; column_border_width=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_style=&#8220;solid&#8220;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8220;6257&#8243; image_size=&#8220;full&#8220; max_width=&#8220;100%&#8220; max_width_mobile=&#8220;default&#8220; animation_type=&#8220;entrance&#8220; animation=&#8220;None&#8220; animation_movement_type=&#8220;transform_y&#8220; hover_animation=&#8220;none&#8220; alignment=&#8220;center&#8220; border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; box_shadow=&#8220;none&#8220; image_loading=&#8220;default&#8220;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8220;in_container&#8220; full_screen_row_position=&#8220;middle&#8220; column_margin=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction_tablet=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction_phone=&#8220;default&#8220; scene_position=&#8220;center&#8220; text_color=&#8220;dark&#8220; text_align=&#8220;left&#8220; row_border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; row_border_radius_applies=&#8220;bg&#8220; row_position_desktop=&#8220;default&#8220; row_position_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; row_position_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220; overflow=&#8220;visible&#8220; overlay_strength=&#8220;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8220;left_to_right&#8220; shape_divider_position=&#8220;bottom&#8220; bg_image_animation=&#8220;none&#8220;][vc_column column_padding=&#8220;no-extra-padding&#8220; column_padding_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_position=&#8220;all&#8220; flex_gap_desktop=&#8220;10px&#8220; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8220;default&#8220; column_element_spacing=&#8220;default&#8220; desktop_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; tablet_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; phone_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; background_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8220;none&#8220; column_shadow=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; column_link_target=&#8220;_self&#8220; column_position=&#8220;default&#8220; gradient_direction=&#8220;left_to_right&#8220; overlay_strength=&#8220;0.3&#8243; width=&#8220;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8220;default&#8220; animation_type=&#8220;default&#8220; bg_image_animation=&#8220;none&#8220; border_type=&#8220;simple&#8220; column_border_width=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_style=&#8220;solid&#8220;][vc_column_text css=&#8220;&#8220; text_direction=&#8220;default&#8220;]\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary_%E2%80%94_quantitative_breakdown\"><\/span><strong>Summary \u2014 quantitative breakdown<\/strong>:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><strong>Where do livestock emissions come from?<\/strong><br \/>\nBeef (global average):<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Enteric methane: 40\u201350%<\/li>\n<li>Land-use change: 30\u201340%<\/li>\n<li>Feed production: 10\u201315%<\/li>\n<li>Manure: 5\u201310%<\/li>\n<li>Energy\/transport: 3\u20135%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Pork:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Feed production: 60\u201370%<\/li>\n<li>Manure: 20\u201330%<\/li>\n<li>Energy: 10%<\/li>\n<li>Enteric methane: negligible<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Chicken:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Feed production: 70\u201380%<\/li>\n<li>Manure: 10\u201320%<\/li>\n<li>Energy: 5\u201310%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Dairy products:<\/p>\n<p>A combination of the beef profile + manure:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Enteric methane: 40\u201360%<\/li>\n<li>Feed: 25\u201335%<\/li>\n<li>Manure: 15\u201320%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8220;in_container&#8220; full_screen_row_position=&#8220;middle&#8220; column_margin=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction_tablet=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction_phone=&#8220;default&#8220; scene_position=&#8220;center&#8220; text_color=&#8220;dark&#8220; text_align=&#8220;left&#8220; row_border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; row_border_radius_applies=&#8220;bg&#8220; row_position_desktop=&#8220;default&#8220; row_position_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; row_position_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220; overflow=&#8220;visible&#8220; overlay_strength=&#8220;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8220;left_to_right&#8220; shape_divider_position=&#8220;bottom&#8220; bg_image_animation=&#8220;none&#8220;][vc_column column_padding=&#8220;no-extra-padding&#8220; column_padding_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_position=&#8220;all&#8220; flex_gap_desktop=&#8220;10px&#8220; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8220;default&#8220; column_element_spacing=&#8220;default&#8220; desktop_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; tablet_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; phone_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; background_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8220;none&#8220; column_shadow=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; column_link_target=&#8220;_self&#8220; column_position=&#8220;default&#8220; gradient_direction=&#8220;left_to_right&#8220; overlay_strength=&#8220;0.3&#8243; width=&#8220;1\/2&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8220;default&#8220; animation_type=&#8220;default&#8220; bg_image_animation=&#8220;none&#8220; border_type=&#8220;simple&#8220; column_border_width=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_style=&#8220;solid&#8220;][vc_column_text css=&#8220;&#8220; text_direction=&#8220;default&#8220;]<strong>Beef (global average):<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Enteric methane: 40\u201350%<\/li>\n<li>Land-use change: 30\u201340%<\/li>\n<li>Feed production: 10\u201315%<\/li>\n<li>Manure: 5\u201310%<\/li>\n<li>Energy\/transport: 3\u20135%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=&#8220;no-extra-padding&#8220; column_padding_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_position=&#8220;all&#8220; flex_gap_desktop=&#8220;10px&#8220; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8220;default&#8220; column_element_spacing=&#8220;default&#8220; desktop_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; tablet_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; phone_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; background_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8220;none&#8220; column_shadow=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; column_link_target=&#8220;_self&#8220; column_position=&#8220;default&#8220; gradient_direction=&#8220;left_to_right&#8220; overlay_strength=&#8220;0.3&#8243; width=&#8220;1\/2&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8220;default&#8220; animation_type=&#8220;default&#8220; bg_image_animation=&#8220;none&#8220; border_type=&#8220;simple&#8220; column_border_width=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_style=&#8220;solid&#8220;][vc_column_text css=&#8220;&#8220; text_direction=&#8220;default&#8220;]<strong>Pork:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Feed production: 60\u201370%<\/li>\n<li>Manure: 20\u201330%<\/li>\n<li>Energy: 10%<\/li>\n<li>Enteric methane: negligible<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8220;in_container&#8220; full_screen_row_position=&#8220;middle&#8220; column_margin=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction_tablet=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction_phone=&#8220;default&#8220; scene_position=&#8220;center&#8220; text_color=&#8220;dark&#8220; text_align=&#8220;left&#8220; row_border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; row_border_radius_applies=&#8220;bg&#8220; row_position_desktop=&#8220;default&#8220; row_position_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; row_position_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220; overflow=&#8220;visible&#8220; overlay_strength=&#8220;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8220;left_to_right&#8220; shape_divider_position=&#8220;bottom&#8220; bg_image_animation=&#8220;none&#8220;][vc_column column_padding=&#8220;no-extra-padding&#8220; column_padding_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_position=&#8220;all&#8220; flex_gap_desktop=&#8220;10px&#8220; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8220;default&#8220; column_element_spacing=&#8220;default&#8220; desktop_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; tablet_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; phone_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; background_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8220;none&#8220; column_shadow=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; column_link_target=&#8220;_self&#8220; column_position=&#8220;default&#8220; gradient_direction=&#8220;left_to_right&#8220; overlay_strength=&#8220;0.3&#8243; width=&#8220;1\/2&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8220;default&#8220; animation_type=&#8220;default&#8220; bg_image_animation=&#8220;none&#8220; border_type=&#8220;simple&#8220; column_border_width=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_style=&#8220;solid&#8220;][vc_column_text css=&#8220;&#8220; text_direction=&#8220;default&#8220;]<strong>Chicken:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Feed production: 70\u201380%<\/li>\n<li>Manure: 10\u201320%<\/li>\n<li>Energy: 5\u201310%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=&#8220;no-extra-padding&#8220; column_padding_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_position=&#8220;all&#8220; flex_gap_desktop=&#8220;10px&#8220; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8220;default&#8220; column_element_spacing=&#8220;default&#8220; desktop_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; tablet_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; phone_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; background_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8220;none&#8220; column_shadow=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; column_link_target=&#8220;_self&#8220; column_position=&#8220;default&#8220; gradient_direction=&#8220;left_to_right&#8220; overlay_strength=&#8220;0.3&#8243; width=&#8220;1\/2&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8220;default&#8220; animation_type=&#8220;default&#8220; bg_image_animation=&#8220;none&#8220; border_type=&#8220;simple&#8220; column_border_width=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_style=&#8220;solid&#8220;][vc_column_text css=&#8220;&#8220; text_direction=&#8220;default&#8220;]<strong>Dairy products:<\/strong><br \/>\nA combination of the beef profile + manure:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Enteric methane: 40\u201360%<\/li>\n<li>Feed: 25\u201335%<\/li>\n<li>Manure: 15\u201320%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8220;in_container&#8220; full_screen_row_position=&#8220;middle&#8220; column_margin=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction_tablet=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction_phone=&#8220;default&#8220; scene_position=&#8220;center&#8220; text_color=&#8220;dark&#8220; text_align=&#8220;left&#8220; row_border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; row_border_radius_applies=&#8220;bg&#8220; row_position_desktop=&#8220;default&#8220; row_position_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; row_position_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220; overflow=&#8220;visible&#8220; overlay_strength=&#8220;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8220;left_to_right&#8220; shape_divider_position=&#8220;bottom&#8220; bg_image_animation=&#8220;none&#8220;][vc_column column_padding=&#8220;no-extra-padding&#8220; column_padding_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220; column_padding_position=&#8220;all&#8220; flex_gap_desktop=&#8220;10px&#8220; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8220;default&#8220; column_element_spacing=&#8220;default&#8220; desktop_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; tablet_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; phone_text_alignment=&#8220;default&#8220; background_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8220;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8220;none&#8220; column_shadow=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; column_link_target=&#8220;_self&#8220; column_position=&#8220;default&#8220; gradient_direction=&#8220;left_to_right&#8220; overlay_strength=&#8220;0.3&#8243; width=&#8220;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8220;default&#8220; animation_type=&#8220;default&#8220; bg_image_animation=&#8220;none&#8220; border_type=&#8220;simple&#8220; column_border_width=&#8220;none&#8220; column_border_style=&#8220;solid&#8220;][vc_column_text css=&#8220;&#8220; text_direction=&#8220;default&#8220;]\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_does_meat_produce_so_many_greenhouse_emissions_compared_with_plants\"><\/span><strong>Why does meat produce so many greenhouse emissions compared with plants?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ol>\n<li>The biology of ruminant animals inherently creates methane<\/li>\n<li>Inefficiency of feed conversion\n<ul>\n<li>Plants \u2192 animals \u2192 humans = energy loss<\/li>\n<li>Plants \u2192 humans = direct intake<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Huge land requirements for pasture \u2192 deforestation + CO\u2082 released into the atmosphere<\/li>\n<li>Manure produces two super-active gases<\/li>\n<li>Animal systems are multi-stage (plants \u2192 animals \u2192 transport \u2192 processing \u2192 refrigeration)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Plants avoid:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Methane<\/li>\n<li>Manure gases<\/li>\n<li>Heavy fertilizer needs<\/li>\n<li>Deforestation in most cases<\/li>\n<li>Cold-chain emissions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>So far, we have spoken in relative terms, and now we will show you more precise figures that will help us understand what everything mentioned so far actually means.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Global greenhouse gas emissions by sector<\/strong> (2019)<\/p>\n<p>Data source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ipcc.ch\/report\/ar6\/wg3\/downloads\/report\/IPCC_AR6_WGIII_Chapter02.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IPCC<\/a> AR6 WGIII Chapter 2 (sector shares for 2019 + GtCO\u2082-eq.).<\/p>\n<p>Percentage pollution of the atmosphere by sector:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Energy: 20 GtCO\u2082-eq. (34%)<\/li>\n<li>Industry: 14 GtCO\u2082-eq. (24%)<\/li>\n<li>AFOLU (Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use): 13 GtCO\u2082-eq. (22%)<\/li>\n<li>Transport: 8.7 GtCO\u2082-eq. (15%)<\/li>\n<li>Buildings: 3.3 GtCO\u2082-eq. (5.6%)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Greenhouse gas emissions by food type<\/strong> (global averages)<\/p>\n<p>Breakdown by food (kg CO\u2082-eq. per kg of product)<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Beef: 99.48<\/li>\n<li>Cheese: 23.88<\/li>\n<li>Pork: 12.31<\/li>\n<li>Chicken (poultry): 9.87<\/li>\n<li>Milk: 3.15<\/li>\n<li>Tofu: 3.16<\/li>\n<li>Legumes (beans\/lentils) (dataset category \u201cOther pulses\u201d): 1.79<\/li>\n<li>Peas: 0.98<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>A few ratios from this breakdown<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Beef vs. tofu: 99.48 \/ 3.16 \u2248 31\u00d7 higher<\/li>\n<li>Beef vs. legumes: 99.48 \/ 1.79 \u2248 56\u00d7 higher<\/li>\n<li>Pork vs. legumes: 12.31 \/ 1.79 \u2248 6.9\u00d7 higher<\/li>\n<li>Chicken vs. legumes: 9.87 \/ 1.79 \u2248 5.5\u00d7 higher<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ideas\"><\/span><strong>Ideas<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>As a conclusion to the article, we will make one simple calculation. Let us say that an average person eats 1 kg of beef per week, or for easier math, 50 kg per year.<\/p>\n<p>Their contribution from this action alone to the \u201chealth\u201d of the atmosphere is:<br \/>\n50 x 99.48 kg CO\u2082-eq. = 4974 kg CO\u2082-eq. per year<\/p>\n<p>If they replace those 50 kg of beef not with 50, but with 100 kg of legumes, so they can get everything they need, then the \u201ccontribution\u201d would be:<br \/>\n100 x 1.79 kg CO\u2082-eq. = 179 kg CO\u2082-eq. per year<\/p>\n<p>In other words, such a change would have the following result:<br \/>\n4974 kg CO\u2082-eq. \u2013 179 kg CO\u2082-eq. = 4795 kg CO\u2082-eq. in one year.<\/p>\n<p>I think it is worth trying to make such a change. What about you?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/zenodo.org\/records\/14916809\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/zenodo.org\/records\/14916809<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/science.org\/doi\/10.1126\/science.aaq0216\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/science.org\/doi\/10.1126\/science.aaq0216<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fao.org\/3\/a0701e\/a0701e.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.fao.org\/3\/a0701e\/a0701e.pdf<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ipcc.ch\/report\/ar6\/wg3\/downloads\/report\/IPCC_AR6_WGIII_Chapter02.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.ipcc.ch\/report\/ar6\/wg3\/downloads\/report\/IPCC_AR6_WGIII_Chapter02.pdf<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/ourworldindata.org\/food-choice-vs-eating-local\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/ourworldindata.org\/food-choice-vs-eating-local<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/ourworldindata.org\/grapher\/ghg-per-kg-poore\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/ourworldindata.org\/grapher\/ghg-per-kg-poore<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row type=&#8220;in_container&#8220; full_screen_row_position=&#8220;middle&#8220; column_margin=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction_tablet=&#8220;default&#8220; column_direction_phone=&#8220;default&#8220; scene_position=&#8220;center&#8220; text_color=&#8220;dark&#8220; text_align=&#8220;left&#8220; row_border_radius=&#8220;none&#8220; row_border_radius_applies=&#8220;bg&#8220; row_position_desktop=&#8220;default&#8220; row_position_tablet=&#8220;inherit&#8220; row_position_phone=&#8220;inherit&#8220;&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6241,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[456],"tags":[634,615,619,621],"class_list":{"0":"post-6963","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-ecology","8":"tag-atmosphere","9":"tag-ecology","10":"tag-livestock","11":"tag-livestock-breeding"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sterasoft.com\/nomeatnoproblem\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6963","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sterasoft.com\/nomeatnoproblem\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sterasoft.com\/nomeatnoproblem\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sterasoft.com\/nomeatnoproblem\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sterasoft.com\/nomeatnoproblem\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6963"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/sterasoft.com\/nomeatnoproblem\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6963\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6965,"href":"https:\/\/sterasoft.com\/nomeatnoproblem\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6963\/revisions\/6965"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sterasoft.com\/nomeatnoproblem\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6241"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sterasoft.com\/nomeatnoproblem\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6963"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sterasoft.com\/nomeatnoproblem\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6963"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sterasoft.com\/nomeatnoproblem\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6963"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}