Improving Livestock Health Is a Net Positive Move Towards Net Zero

Reducing global livestock disease levels by just 10% through vaccination and other preventative health measures would bring down greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 800 million tonnes. Credit: Guilhem Alandry/HealthforAnimalsBy Carel du Marchie SarvaasBRUSSELS, Belgium, Nov 21 2023 (IPS) The recent downturn in sales of alternative meat products is only the latest evidence that the world is unlikely to give up animal protein completely in the long run. In fact, all forecasts suggest global consumption of meat, milk, fish and eggs will continue to rise, with some parts of the world relying on animal agriculture to make up dire protein deficiencies and meet nutrition needs. With production expected to grow, governments and global bodies must support livestock sector efforts to become increasingly sustainable and keep climate action on track. Achieving net zero emissions while allowing for an upward trend in meat production and consumption relies on making wholesale efficiency gains, and this starts with the net positive step of improving animal health. Emissions from the livestock sector are divided between those generated directly through the digestive processes of animals, and those produced indirectly through the provision of feed, land, water, medicine, transportation, and processing. Healthier animals are associated with lower levels of both direct and indirect emissions. Reducing the spread of animal disease, improving fertility and breeding, and optimising livest...
Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Tags: Climate Action Climate Change Environment Food and Agriculture Food Sustainability Global Headlines Health TerraViva United Nations IPS UN Bureau Source Type: news