Methane and Livestock: A Natural Cycle to Value – Rinnovabili
I was interviewed by Rinnovabili, a media platform focused on renewable energy and sustainability, to discuss methane emissions from livestock and their environmental impact.
You can read the full interview on Rinnovabili>>> or find a summary below.
Methane and Livestock: A Natural Cycle to Value
The issue of methane emissions is often misunderstood. In a recent interview, I had the opportunity to present a different perspective. I explained the importance of distinguishing between stock gases, like CO2 accumulating in the atmosphere for centuries, and flow gases, like biogenic methane, which follow shorter natural cycles. This distinction is essential for effectively addressing climate challenges.
DO NOT MISS IT: LIVESTOCK ARE PART OF THE SOLUTION
In 2023, Europe reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 3.2%. However, we need to refine public discourse with more precise metrics to make these policies more impactful. Biogenic methane from livestock, for instance, is part of a closed natural cycle: plants absorb CO2 through photosynthesis and convert it into biomass. Ruminants emit methane during digestion, but this gas oxidizes within 9-12 years, returning to CO2, which is reabsorbed by plants. In contrast, fossil methane introduces additional carbon into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming.
I also highlighted how the livestock sector is adopting innovative solutions, such as dietary additives, biogas production from waste, and regenerative farming practices that enhance carbon sequestration in soils. These advancements, though significant, are often overlooked in a polarized public debate.
Policymakers, on their part, must adopt a more balanced approach, differentiating emission sources and recognizing the progress made by the sector. Only in this way can we ensure environmental sustainability, food security, and a circular economy, paving the way for an effective ecological transition.
Methane and Livestock: A Natural Cycle to Value – Rinnovabili
