How does livestock growth harm the nature of the planet?

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) pointed out the harmful impact on the environment resulting from high meat consumption.

The organization said, in a report published on Friday, December 8, 2023, that livestock raising is responsible for 12% of greenhouse gas emissions resulting from human activity, according to Forbes Middle East.

What are greenhouse gases?

Greenhouse gases, as defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), are a major source of air pollution. They include carbon dioxide and methane, some of which are produced through natural processes such as animal and plant respiration.

However, most of these gases come from human activity, such as burning fossil fuels and raising livestock. This type is distinguished by its ability to absorb infrared radiation released by the Earth and re-emit it, which leads to raising the air temperature, and thus reduces the loss of heat from the Earth to space, which makes it contribute to Heating the Earth's atmosphere, and accordingly contributing to global warming and global warming.

Improving livestock productivity

In a report covered by Forbes, the Rome-based FAO called for improving livestock productivity, modifying feed and improving animal health, in order to reduce emissions.

She suggested that efforts be made to reduce meat consumption in rich countries, but indicated that their effects would be limited without reducing meat consumption in all countries.

The organization said that meat consumption tends to rise with economic growth and urbanization, expecting that global population growth will lead to a 21% increase in animal protein consumption between 2020 and 2050.

Other causes of increased greenhouse gases

According to a report published by the United Nations on its official website, fossil fuels, represented by coal, oil and gas, are the largest contributor to global climate change, as they represent more than 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and about 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions.

Due to their presence in the Earth's atmosphere, greenhouse gas emissions trap the sun's heat, leading to global warming and climate change, and the world's temperature is currently rising faster than at any time in recorded history.

Over time, high temperatures lead to changes in weather patterns and disturbances in the usual balance of nature, which poses numerous risks to humans and all other forms of life on Earth.