Every year almost 600 million tonnes of methane are emitted in the atmosphere. Of these, about 60 percent originates from human activities. Agriculture contributes to nearly half of the global anthropogenic methane production, followed by fossil fuels and waste. The livestock sector is one of the greatest contributors of methane emissions, mainly produced through the natural digestive process of ruminants known as “enteric fermentation” and manure management practices. Methane is a highly potent greenhouse gas that increases global temperature. To limit global warming by 2030, countries should reduce methane emissions, particularly from livestock, by 30 percent. FAO supports countries to mitigate methane emissions from livestock as part of their climate actions, while improving food security and livelihoods.
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FAO promotes climate-smart livestock farming practices in Costa Rica
FAO in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Costa Rica (MAG) and the Federation of Chambers of Livestock Farmers of Guanacaste (FCGG)
Video
Livestock and enteric methane
Burping livestock are a big problem for our planet. When cows and other ruminants eat, their food ferments in their gut and produces methane, which contributes to global warming.
News
New FAO report maps pathways towards lower livestock emissions
Various mitigation options exist to reduce greenhouse gases while meeting increased demand for terrestrial animal-sourced foods
Latest publications
Publication
Actions climatiques dans le secteur de l’élevage au Burkina Faso
Améliorer les contributions déterminées au niveau national pour un avenir durable
Report
Pathways towards lower emissions
A global assessment of the greenhouse gas emissions and mitigation options from livestock agrifood systems
Publication
Methane emissions in livestock and rice systems
Sources, quantification, mitigation and metrics