Dairy sector moves to cut methane emissions amid climate concerns

DID YOU KNOW? Methane, though short-lived in the atmosphere, has a potent warming effect—more than 80 times that of carbon dioxide in the first 20 years after release. 

While this presents a significant challenge, it also offers an opportunity, as reducing methane emissions can have an immediate and tangible impact on mitigating climate change. 

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Global Dairy Platform (GDP), one solution gaining traction is the use of feed additives to reduce enteric methane emissions from farmed ruminants, such as cows and sheep.

Additionally, cow manure presents a renewable energy opportunity, with just one pound producing one cubic foot of biogas—enough to cook a day’s worth of meals for four to six people.

Climate change, population growth, poverty alleviation, environmental degradation, and global food insecurity are among the defining challenges of the 21st century. 

The effects are already visible, with more frequent floods, storms, droughts, and forest fires damaging ecosystems and livelihoods. 

The dairy sector, which plays a vital role in food security and poverty reduction, must contribute effectively to mitigating these challenges while ensuring sustainable growth. 

Dairy products are a rich source of essential nutrients, and with rising global demand for high-quality animal-sourced protein, the sector must balance production efficiency with environmental stewardship.

The challenge for policymakers and the dairy industry lies in reducing environmental impacts while maintaining the sector’s contributions to food security, economic development, and social progress. 

The global dairy sector is already making significant strides in this regard. Between 2005 and 2015, dairy sector greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions increased by 18%, primarily due to a 30% rise in global milk production driven by growing consumer demand.

While absolute emissions have increased, dairy farming has become more efficient, with emission intensities per unit of product declining by almost 11% over the same period. 

Efficiency improvements, such as enhanced animal productivity and better management practices, have contributed to this trend.

According to global assessments, emission intensity varies significantly across regions. Developed dairy-producing regions reported the lowest emission intensities, averaging between 1.3 and 1.4 kg CO₂ equivalent per kg of fat-and-protein corrected milk in 2015. 

In contrast, developing regions such as South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and West Asia reported much higher intensities, ranging between 4.1 and 6.7 kg CO₂ equivalent per kg. 

These variations highlight the potential for further emission reductions through improved management practices, particularly in regions with higher intensities.

A dairy industry representative noted, “Sustainability is no longer an option but a necessity. Our commitment is unwavering in aligning dairy production with the UN Sustainable Development Goals to ensure a better future for both people and the planet.” 

The sector supports nearly 1 billion livelihoods across approximately 130 million dairy farms while providing essential nutrition to 6 billion people worldwide. 

Key initiatives, including the Global Dairy Agenda for Action (2009), the Dairy Sustainability Framework (2013), and the Paris Dairy Declaration on Sustainability (2024), demonstrate the industry’s long-term commitment to sustainable practices.

Methane reduction is central to climate change mitigation, given its high warming potential. The dairy industry accounts for just 2% of total human-caused GHG emissions, with methane making up approximately 12% of global anthropogenic methane emissions. 

Unlike fossil methane, which adds long-stored carbon to the atmosphere, dairy methane emissions are biogenic and part of natural carbon cycles. 

The sector has adopted methane reduction techniques such as feed additives, improved manure management, and biogas production, leading to immediate climate benefits.

Discussions at COP29 explored these mitigation strategies. On November 13 2024, GDP Executive Director Donald Moore will participate in a panel on methane reduction strategies for the dairy, beef, and rice sectors, emphasizing the progress made through the Pathways to Dairy Net Zero initiative.

On November 18 2024, IDF President Gilles Froment will highlight sustainable livestock development in collaboration with international organizations. 

Additionally, on November 20, GDP will co-host a session with the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef and the Republic of Uruguay, showcasing sustainable strategies across agriculture.

Accurate measurement of emissions remains a priority for the dairy sector, with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) playing a critical role in tracking carbon footprints.

IDF has led efforts in establishing global guidelines for emissions reporting, ensuring transparency and consistency. Considering dairy’s nutritional value, advocates call for integrating nutritional factors into LCA assessments to capture the full impact of dairy on human health.

Beyond emissions reduction, dairy farming contributes to ecosystem services, enhancing biodiversity, supporting soil health, and generating renewable energy through manure-based biogas. 

Dairy animals play a crucial role in converting human-inedible feed into high-quality nutrition, while responsible grazing supports soil carbon storage. “Approximately 70% of the world’s agricultural land is marginal, but dairy farming transforms it into productive land, ensuring both food security and ecological balance.”

As the dairy sector advances toward a low-carbon future, continued collaboration, investment in innovation, and policy support will be essential to achieving sustainability goals.