Are There Practical Solutions To Methane Emissions From Cattle? - CleanTechnica

The article discusses the significant issue of methane emissions from cattle, particularly those raised on factory farms in the US. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 21 to 26 times greater than carbon dioxide, is produced naturally during the digestive process of ruminant animals like cows. This enteric methane accounts for 17% of global methane emissions and 3.3% of total greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing methane emissions is critical to limiting global warming to 1.5°C above preindustrial levels, a target endorsed by over 150 countries in the 2021 Global Methane Pledge aiming for a 30% reduction by 2030. While eliminating beef consumption would be the simplest solution, it is unrealistic for the general population, so practical mitigation strategies focus on reducing emissions from livestock production. One promising approach centers on altering cattle diets, especially in factory farms where cows are often fed inexpensive, unsustainable feeds like corn and soy, including dried distillers grains (