In Argentina, where beef is a symbol of national pride, a government-led partnership has started certifying certain livestockas carbon neutral. It’s a big step that shouldn’t be underestimated, but getting the certification process right is crucial.
The world’s livestock sector is a key driver of climate change, contributing around 12% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Two-thirdsof agriculture’s annual greenhouse gas emissions come from livestock, with raising cattle for meat typically being the most emissions-intensiveactivity. While shifting diets to plant-based foods and alternative proteinscan help reduce emissions, global meat consumptionis growing with an expanding population and rising prosperity.
There are ways that livestock producers can reduce those emissions. However, beyond social pressure, ranchers have few incentives to do so. Unless those steps to reduce emissions also increase productivity, they typically become costs with little immediate benefit in return.
With formal certification, farmers can earn a higher price. This has been the case with certified organic or fair-trade products. If livestock could be raised in ways that produce fewer emissions and certified as climate-friendly, the resulting higher prices they could fetch might give producers an incentive to invest in reducing their herds’ emissions.
