Clim-Eat’s Post

🌍COP discusses Less emissions with better livestock production: Climate solutions for sustainable livestock transformation. We ask: will one size fit all? Probably not – as ever, a portfolio approach using breeding, technology, nutrition and alternative husbandry is likely to be needed. And can we effectively reduce our emissions without accurate, standardised and accessible monitoring tools?! Read more on the importance of measure to manage as we ruminate on ruminants... https://lnkd.in/dpceu8wB

🐄 🐖 Two big and somewhat contrasting approaches to emissions from livestock this week (which contribute to 10-15% of global emissions) both of which are interesting experiments: 1️⃣ Denmark has announced that it'll put in place a carbon tax on farmers rearing cattle, equivalent to just under €100 per year per cow, and building over time beyond that. There are deductions to the rate of tax applied for farmers who are able to demonstrate lower emissions, creating incentives to adopt greener measures. 2️⃣ Peter Byck's new docu-series 'Roots So Deep' has been released detailing 5+ years of research in the US into regenerative cattle rearing practices and their impact on associated emissions. The series is released this week and I'm looking forward to watching in full, but the results (published in a series of scientific journals) seem impressive: this method of cattle rearing can act as an effective carbon sink 💚 , makes farmers more money 💰 , and stimulates growth in biodiversity 🐝 -- In theory, the two should combo: stick & carrot combined to reduce emissions within livestock farming. In practice, Peter's warning from working with farmers for nearly a decade on this was that changes forced will always be resisted -it'll be fascinating to see how this incentive in Denmark works by comparison. (And a big thank you to Nadia and Helen for having Penny and I along to Peter's talk and screening!)

Ermias Kebreab Thank you for yesterday’s Farming the Future: Livestock's Leap to Net Zero presentation. [ref: https://lnkd.in/gaytF3Yn ] As the foundations of today’s #ExtractionAge, monoculture commodity agriculture continue to crumble while their markets evaporate the work you and you team do on alternative feedstuffs able to reduce methane emissions (and more…) becomes increasingly important. The Receipts, Hat Tips(s) and more… [1]: Edo Berger Harvard Radcliffe Institute #unlearning #clockspeed #OODALoop #ExtractionAge #EcosystemAge #GenerativeAI #Trustworthiness #DataConextualizing #LeapFrogLeverage #clockspeed #healthcare #ESG #Sustainability #RegenerativeAgriculture #SoilsAsHealth #BalancingRisk #RegenAg #FoodAsMedicine #ContextualDesign #CumulativeImpact 

📢 *Is Europe on the path to a meat-reduction revolution?* 🌍 A new report in The Guardian reveals that European farming lobbies are starting to recognize the need to reduce meat consumption as part of efforts to combat climate change. This marks a significant shift in the dialogue around food production and sustainability. 🌱 The report highlights that some farming groups, traditionally staunch advocates for the meat industry, are beginning to align with scientists and environmentalists in acknowledging the environmental impact of livestock farming. 🌾 Agriculture accounts for 10% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions, and meat production plays a significant role in that figure. The growing pressure for sustainable practices is pushing the conversation toward adopting plant-based diets and regenerative farming methods. 🐄 Interestingly, the report suggests that many farming bodies now support reducing the overall consumption of animal products. However, the shift remains slow, with powerful industry groups continuing to lobby against stricter regulations. What do you think of this changing landscape in Europe’s agriculture industry? Are we on the brink of meaningful change, or is there still a long road ahead? Link to the article is in the comments. #animalagriculture #climatechange #europe

🌍🥩 OVER 100 ORGANISATIONS & EXPERTS ASK FAO TO RETRACT ‘INAPPROPRIATE’ COP28 LIVESTOCK REPORT A group of over 100 organisations, politicians, investors and experts have called for a retraction of a report by the UN FAO that suggests reducing livestock agriculture will only have a small impact on climate change. Launched during COP28, the Pathways Towards Lower Emissions report’s estimated emissions reduction from cutting back livestock production as six to 40 times lower than the scientific consensus. It has been criticised multiple times, with leading academics calling out the UN body for not recommending a reduction in meat consumption. In April, Leiden University’s Paul Behrens and New York University's Matthew Hayek – whose research formed the basis of the FAO’s analysis – asked the organisation to urgently retract its report, and reissue it with more appropriate sources and methodology. Two months on, 78 civil society organisations and 23 academics and influential individuals have sent a joint letter to FAO director-general Qu Dongyu, citing the “significant methodological errors and inappropriate sources of evidence” identified by Behrens and Hayek to suggest that scientific rigour is “conspicuously and egregiously absent” in the report. Asking for a retraction, the experts call for “an overhaul of the FAO’s internal review processes to ensure improved methodological rigour in future reports”. They are asking the UN body to publish a full methodology and a list of authors and reviewers for all future reports. Learn more in the full article: https://lnkd.in/eEcNma8x #GreenQueen #climatechange #foodsystems #foodindustry #emissions #climateaction

Groundbreaking Harvard Study Outlines Clear Path to Reducing Global Livestock Sector’s Emissions by 61% "The critical role of livestock in climate plans: The researchers underscore the livestock sector’s crucial role in climate mitigation efforts. The study suggests immediate action is necessary to integrate livestock emission reductions into national and global climate strategies. Reduction strategies: A significant part of emission reductions is anticipated to come from reducing both the consumption of livestock products and the number of animals farmed. Technological advancements, improved manure management, and soil carbon sequestration are identified as additional but moderately contributing strategies. Policy recommendations: The report calls for comprehensive policy measures, including financial incentives for farmers to shift away from livestock production and the adoption of ‘best available food’ policies that prioritize plant-based alternatives. Dietary shifts: Aligning consumer diets with the Paris Agreement involves a substantial move towards plant-based foods, especially in high- and middle-income countries. This dietary transition is crucial for reducing the sector’s GHG emissions." https://lnkd.in/e4d_SE76

🌱 The Regenerative Revolution: Integrating Livestock for a Healthier Future 🐄 In the world of agriculture, regenerative farming is gaining traction, and for good reason. By integrating livestock into regenerative farming systems, we unlock a multitude of benefits for our soil, crops, and the overall ecosystem. Let's dive into the compelling reasons why this practice is transforming the agricultural landscape. 🌾 Soil Health and Biodiversity - Enhanced Soil Fertility: Livestock contributes organic matter through their manure, which enriches the soil with essential nutrients. This natural fertiliser boosts microbial activity, improving soil structure and fertility. - Increased Biodiversity: Grazing animals promote plant diversity by preventing any single species from dominating the pasture. This diversity is crucial for a resilient and healthy ecosystem. - Carbon Sequestration: Well-managed grazing systems help sequester carbon in the soil, mitigating climate change by capturing CO2 from the atmosphere. 🌱 Cover Crops and Grazing - Natural Weed Control: Grazing livestock on cover crops reduces the need for chemical herbicides, as animals naturally manage weed growth. - Improved Water Retention: The presence of cover crops and the impact of livestock hooves help improve soil structure, enhancing its ability to retain water. This is particularly beneficial in drought-prone areas. - Reduced Erosion: Cover crops and the root systems they establish help anchor the soil, preventing erosion caused by wind and water. 🤖 The Future: Robotic Grazing Systems - Precision Grazing: Robotic systems allow for precise control over grazing patterns, ensuring optimal pasture utilisation and reducing overgrazing. - Labour Efficiency: Automation reduces the labour burden on farmers, allowing them to manage larger herds more efficiently and focus on other critical farm operations. - Data-Driven Decisions: Advanced sensors and AI provide real-time data on soil health, pasture growth, and animal well being, enabling informed decisions that enhance farm productivity and sustainability. Integrating livestock into regenerative farming not only fosters healthier soils and ecosystems but also paves the way for innovative technologies like robotic grazing systems. Together, these practices and advancements hold the promise of a sustainable and productive agricultural future. Let's champion the regenerative revolution and embrace the benefits of livestock integration and cutting-edge technology! 🚜🌍 Come and see Kristof Hayes and the listt.io stand at Groundswell Agriculture this year!! #RegenerativeAgriculture #SustainableFarming #SoilHealth #Biodiversity #RoboticGrazing #FutureOfFarming #AgricultureInnovation #EcoFriendlyFarming

Integrating livestock into regenerative farming enriches soil, boosts yields, and fosters biodiversity. Cost-effective methods like rotational grazing and manual soil monitoring drive sustainable, resilient agriculture. #RegenerativeRevolution #SustainableGrowth #SoilRegeneration #BiodiverseFarming #AgriTech #InnovativeFarming #ClimateResilientAg #OrganicFuture #PermaculturePractice #GreenAgTech

🐄 A recent revelation about Australia's cattle population being potentially underestimated by 10 million has shed light on the need for precise climate action in agriculture. This discrepancy points to a greater methane emission challenge, emphasizing the urgency of innovative solutions. 💡 Metha AI leads the charge with our groundbreaking AI technology, which harnesses the power of the world's largest dataset of cow microbiomes. This unique resource enables us to create optimized diets that drastically reduce methane emissions, directly addressing one of the most significant environmental impacts of agriculture. 🌱 Our commitment to leveraging this extensive dataset not only positions Metha AI as a key player in reducing greenhouse gases but also aligns with global efforts towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2030. By providing actionable insights for more sustainable farming practices, we're paving the way for a future where agriculture contributes positively to our planet's health. 👩🌾 The underreported cattle numbers and their implications highlight the critical role of accurate data and innovative technologies in environmental conservation. Metha AI is proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, driving the agriculture sector towards sustainability and efficiency. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eGt4qpym #MethaAi #Sustainability #ClimateAction #AgricultureInnovation #MicrobiomeResearch #AgriTech #AIImpact