A Curtin University study has revealed breeding less-flatulent cows and restoring agricultural land could significantly reduce rising methane emission levels, which play a considerable role in climate change.
Study lead Merideth Kelliher said the fastest way to lower methane emissions would be to convert farmland into wetlands and forests, however there was a lot of scope for improvement by altering the operations of the dairy and beef sectors. "While more research is needed to identify the best traits for low emission cows, consideration should also be given to land use emissions and identifying suitable agricultural land for restoration to natural habitat."
"As the world's second biggest beef exporter, Australia contributes to global methane levels significantly," Professor Marinova said. Co-author and Curtin Research Fellow Dr Diana Bogueva said this scenario analysis is important also for consumers to better understand the environmental footprint of their food choices.Deforestation in the Amazon causes land surfaces up to 100 kilometers away to get warmer, suggests a new study. The research suggests that tropical forests play a critical role in cooling the ...