The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recently published a report titled “Methane Emissions in Livestock and Rice Systems.” Released during the Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation in September 2023, it throws light on the significant climate impact of methane emissions from livestock and rice paddies. It emphasizes the key role of curbing methane emissions to achieve the Paris Agreement’s goals.
Sources of Methane Emissions
According to the report, ruminant livestock and manure management contribute approximately 32% of global anthropogenic methane emissions, while rice paddies account for an additional 8%. Other human activities contributing to methane emissions include landfills, oil and natural gas systems, and coal mines. Ruminants are diverse mammals like giraffes, deer, cattle, antelopes, sheep, and goats, characterized by a four-chambered stomach and two-toed feet.
Impact and Role of Ruminant Livestock
Cattle were found to be the highest daily emitters of methane among ruminants, followed by sheep, goats, and buffalo. As key sources of protein through meat and milk, the global demand for these animal products is projected to surge by 60-70% by 2050.
Strategies for Mitigating Methane Emissions
The report recommends enhanced feed efficiency to cut down methane emissions. This could be achieved by increasing nutrient density, improving feed digestibility, altering rumen microbial composition, and selectively breeding animals with negative residual feed intake and smaller metabolic body weight. The report also calls for conducting regional studies to gauge the impact of mitigation strategies on net greenhouse gas emissions.
Methane as a Greenhouse Gas
Methane, a simple hydrocarbon made of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms (CH4), is a potent greenhouse gas with more than 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide over the first 20 years of its lifetime in the atmosphere. Its common sources include oil and natural gas systems, agricultural activities, coal mining, and waste.
Initiatives to Tackle Methane Emissions
In India, the ‘Harit Dhara’ feed supplement developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has shown potential in reducing cattle methane emissions by 17-20% while boosting milk production. The National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) involves climate-resilient practices, including methods to decrease methane emissions in rice cultivation.
The NICRA project has developed techniques for mitigating methane emissions from rice cultivation. These include the System for Rice Intensification, Direct Seeded Rice, and Crop Diversification Programme.
Globally, the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS), Global Methane Pledge, and Global Methane Initiative (GMI) are key strategies to curb methane emissions.
Previous Year Questions on Methane Emissions
In previous years’ UPSC Civil Services Examination, questions related to methane emissions and its implications have been asked to test candidates’ understanding of the topic.
Despite numerous initiatives, methane emission remains a significant contributor to global warming. Continued research and practical, cost-effective measures are necessary to mitigate its impact on the environment.
Last Modified: February 22, 2024