Methane Matters: Global insights and perspectives on reducing methane emissions from agriculture

In the report Methane Matters: A comprehensive approach to methane mitigation, Changing Markets Foundation, GAIA and Environmental Investigation Agency outlined measures in agriculture, waste and energy sectors that countries can adopt to reduce their methane emissions across the three major methane emitting sectors. Reducing methane emissions this decade is one of the most critical actions we can take to avoid catastrophic climate change.  

Agriculture accounts for 40% of anthropogenic methane emissions and measures are needed to reduce agricultural methane to stay within the 1.5°C temperature increase goal. In this webinar, we will discuss what policies can be promoted at Global, regional and national levels to mitigate methane emissions in the sector. We will specifically focus on livestock methane.  

For many, animal farming is not just a job but a way of life. Meat and dairy can provide a vital source of protein and opportunities for food production in areas unsuitable for growing crops. Animal agriculture is a highly emotive topic and discussions around emissions reductions from farming are not easy. 

However, it is clear that it will not be possible to reduce methane emissions by 45% this decade, as recommended by United Nations Environment Programme’s Global Methane Assessment, without addressing emissions from the meat and dairy industry. In some regions, measures in agriculture will be more important than in others. For example in the European Union, livestock represents 53% of methane emissions and Europeans overconsume meat and dairy products. 

This webinar will explore what measures can be scaled up to reduce methane from animal agriculture, providing insights into the reduction and uptake potential of different technical and behavioural solutions to reduce methane from this sector. It will also highlight some ways in which the sector transformation would not only help mitigate runaway climate change but also help farmers adapt to already existing climate disruptions. The discussion will be addressed in a way that is sensitive to this highly emotive topic, balancing the complexities around this vast sector with the reality of the need for absolute emissions reductions and also highlighting the (co)benefits of early action.  

Agenda: 

• Catalina Etcheverry, CCAC Secretariat
• Dr Lisa Emberson, Professor of Environmental Science, University of York; CCAC Scientific Advisory Panel 

• Aimable Uwizeye, Policy Officer, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 

• Tara Chandrasekharan, Senior ESG analyst, FAIRR Initiative

• Donald Moore, Executive Director of the Global Dairy Platform on their initiative Pathways to Dairy Net Zero 
• Nusa Urbancic, Campaigns Director, Changing Markets Foundation 
• Q&A 30 mins 
• Closing remarks: CCAC 5 mins