The many, many farm animals around the world generate 18 percent of the emissions associated with raising global temperatures, according to United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates — more than from cars, buses, and airplanes. And as more people around the world increase their consumption of meat, the emissions will grow.
Some approaches use technology, such as capturing the methane from pig manure, which may be used for generating electricity (as well as for fertilizer). Other approaches are to develop feed that will make cows belch less methane and breed animals that produce less gas.
Other proposals are policy oriented, such as persuading consumers to eat less meat, putting a tax on the consumption of pork or beef, or taxing farmers directly for the emissions of each of their animals. In some countries, there will be labels on meat of the amount of emissions attributed to each serving.
