dietary impact on global warming
TRANSCRIPT
Dietary Impacts on Global Warming
Geoff Russell
20th May, 2007
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 1 / 39
Overview
Who am I? Maths/Computing/Animal Liberation/EthicsGratuitous Bool Lagoon pictureMain TheoremWhich is worse? CSIRO diet or a 2 tonne 4WD?Red meat emissions compared with light globesClimate forcingsNon-Carbon forcingsMethane locally/globallyDiet AgainAustralia’s Woolly Kyoto targetsGlobal Issues — China and Rice PaddiesCSIRO diet and waterConclusions and Summary
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 2 / 39
Magic at Bool Lagoon
Wetlands are the biggest source of natural methaneMethane is more than double its preindustrial levelPeople have been draining wetlands for at least 200 yearsThe wetlands of the south east used to be bigger than KakaduThe northern peat lands are a net carbon sink (Frolking)
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 3 / 39
Magic at Bool Lagoon
Wetlands are the biggest source of natural methaneMethane is more than double its preindustrial levelPeople have been draining wetlands for at least 200 yearsThe wetlands of the south east used to be bigger than KakaduThe northern peat lands are a net carbon sink (Frolking)
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 3 / 39
Magic at Bool Lagoon
Wetlands are the biggest source of natural methaneMethane is more than double its preindustrial levelPeople have been draining wetlands for at least 200 yearsThe wetlands of the south east used to be bigger than KakaduThe northern peat lands are a net carbon sink (Frolking)
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 3 / 39
Magic at Bool Lagoon
Wetlands are the biggest source of natural methaneMethane is more than double its preindustrial levelPeople have been draining wetlands for at least 200 yearsThe wetlands of the south east used to be bigger than KakaduThe northern peat lands are a net carbon sink (Frolking)
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 3 / 39
Magic at Bool Lagoon
Wetlands are the biggest source of natural methaneMethane is more than double its preindustrial levelPeople have been draining wetlands for at least 200 yearsThe wetlands of the south east used to be bigger than KakaduThe northern peat lands are a net carbon sink (Frolking)
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 3 / 39
Huge Theorem
Main Claimthe greenhouse emissions of Australia’s livestock last year willhave a bigger impact on global climate over the next 20 yearsthan all of the greenhouse emissions from all of our coal firedpower stations last year.
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 4 / 39
Motivation — Celebrity Shopping
How do food emissions compare with transport emissions?
1 CelebritiesKevin Rudd Tim Flannery Mark Parnell
2 TransportFord Territory Toyota Prius Bicycle
3 Construction Emissions (tonnes)34 22 0.14
4 Weekly Shopping List (kg)beef 4 beef/roo 3/1 pasta/rice 10
Source (Construction Emissions): Ben Rose,http://www.carbonneutral.com.au/
rose bj 2006. ghg-energy-calc background paper august 2006.pdf
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 5 / 39
Motivation — Celebrity Shopping
How do food emissions compare with transport emissions?
1 CelebritiesKevin Rudd Tim Flannery Mark Parnell
2 TransportFord Territory Toyota Prius Bicycle
3 Construction Emissions (tonnes)34 22 0.14
4 Weekly Shopping List (kg)beef 4 beef/roo 3/1 pasta/rice 10
Source (Construction Emissions): Ben Rose,http://www.carbonneutral.com.au/
rose bj 2006. ghg-energy-calc background paper august 2006.pdf
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 5 / 39
Motivation — Celebrity Shopping
How do food emissions compare with transport emissions?
1 CelebritiesKevin Rudd Tim Flannery Mark Parnell
2 TransportFord Territory Toyota Prius Bicycle
3 Construction Emissions (tonnes)34 22 0.14
4 Weekly Shopping List (kg)beef 4 beef/roo 3/1 pasta/rice 10
Source (Construction Emissions): Ben Rose,http://www.carbonneutral.com.au/
rose bj 2006. ghg-energy-calc background paper august 2006.pdf
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 5 / 39
Motivation — Celebrity Shopping
How do food emissions compare with transport emissions?
1 CelebritiesKevin Rudd Tim Flannery Mark Parnell
2 TransportFord Territory Toyota Prius Bicycle
3 Construction Emissions (tonnes)34 22 0.14
4 Weekly Shopping List (kg)beef 4 beef/roo 3/1 pasta/rice 10
Source (Construction Emissions): Ben Rose,http://www.carbonneutral.com.au/
rose bj 2006. ghg-energy-calc background paper august 2006.pdf
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 5 / 39
Celebrity Shopping
1 Transport Operating Emissions per week (200kms) Kg0.3×200 = 60 0.1×200 = 20 ?
2 Each kg of beef generates 50kg of greenhouse emissions. Hence:Food Emission per week (kg)
200 150 43 Time for food emissions to exceed transport emissions (weeks)
242 161 35This is calculated, for example by solving 200x = 60x +34000where x is the number of weeks.
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 6 / 39
Celebrity Shopping
1 Transport Operating Emissions per week (200kms) Kg0.3×200 = 60 0.1×200 = 20 ?
2 Each kg of beef generates 50kg of greenhouse emissions. Hence:Food Emission per week (kg)
200 150 43 Time for food emissions to exceed transport emissions (weeks)
242 161 35This is calculated, for example by solving 200x = 60x +34000where x is the number of weeks.
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 6 / 39
Celebrity Shopping
1 Transport Operating Emissions per week (200kms) Kg0.3×200 = 60 0.1×200 = 20 ?
2 Each kg of beef generates 50kg of greenhouse emissions. Hence:Food Emission per week (kg)
200 150 43 Time for food emissions to exceed transport emissions (weeks)
242 161 35This is calculated, for example by solving 200x = 60x +34000where x is the number of weeks.
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 6 / 39
Greenhouse Intensity of Beef
Source: AGO – End Use Allocation of EmissionsGeoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 7 / 39
Red Meat Emissions 1999 — 130 Mt
What are the components of red meat emissions?1 Methane — enteric fermentation — 61 Mt2 Manure management — 2.3 Mt3 Deposition on pasture— 4.3 Mt (excrement on pasture)4 Soil disturbance — 3.5 Mt5 Land Clearing — 55 Mt6 Savanna burning — 7.7 Mt7 Pasture improvement — (Good!) -3.4 Mt8 N.B. Most of Australia’s fertiliser goes on pasture.9 and that’s just the start.
Compare: Turnbull says lightglobe “initiative” will save 0.8 Mt.Source: AGO – End Use Allocation of Emissions
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 8 / 39
Red Meat Emissions 1999 — 130 Mt
What are the components of red meat emissions?1 Methane — enteric fermentation — 61 Mt2 Manure management — 2.3 Mt3 Deposition on pasture— 4.3 Mt (excrement on pasture)4 Soil disturbance — 3.5 Mt5 Land Clearing — 55 Mt6 Savanna burning — 7.7 Mt7 Pasture improvement — (Good!) -3.4 Mt8 N.B. Most of Australia’s fertiliser goes on pasture.9 and that’s just the start.
Compare: Turnbull says lightglobe “initiative” will save 0.8 Mt.Source: AGO – End Use Allocation of Emissions
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 8 / 39
Red Meat Emissions 1999 — 130 Mt
What are the components of red meat emissions?1 Methane — enteric fermentation — 61 Mt2 Manure management — 2.3 Mt3 Deposition on pasture— 4.3 Mt (excrement on pasture)4 Soil disturbance — 3.5 Mt5 Land Clearing — 55 Mt6 Savanna burning — 7.7 Mt7 Pasture improvement — (Good!) -3.4 Mt8 N.B. Most of Australia’s fertiliser goes on pasture.9 and that’s just the start.
Compare: Turnbull says lightglobe “initiative” will save 0.8 Mt.Source: AGO – End Use Allocation of Emissions
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 8 / 39
Red Meat Emissions 1999 — 130 Mt
What are the components of red meat emissions?1 Methane — enteric fermentation — 61 Mt2 Manure management — 2.3 Mt3 Deposition on pasture— 4.3 Mt (excrement on pasture)4 Soil disturbance — 3.5 Mt5 Land Clearing — 55 Mt6 Savanna burning — 7.7 Mt7 Pasture improvement — (Good!) -3.4 Mt8 N.B. Most of Australia’s fertiliser goes on pasture.9 and that’s just the start.
Compare: Turnbull says lightglobe “initiative” will save 0.8 Mt.Source: AGO – End Use Allocation of Emissions
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 8 / 39
Red Meat Emissions 1999 — 130 Mt
What are the components of red meat emissions?1 Methane — enteric fermentation — 61 Mt2 Manure management — 2.3 Mt3 Deposition on pasture— 4.3 Mt (excrement on pasture)4 Soil disturbance — 3.5 Mt5 Land Clearing — 55 Mt6 Savanna burning — 7.7 Mt7 Pasture improvement — (Good!) -3.4 Mt8 N.B. Most of Australia’s fertiliser goes on pasture.9 and that’s just the start.
Compare: Turnbull says lightglobe “initiative” will save 0.8 Mt.Source: AGO – End Use Allocation of Emissions
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 8 / 39
Red Meat Emissions 1999 — 130 Mt
What are the components of red meat emissions?1 Methane — enteric fermentation — 61 Mt2 Manure management — 2.3 Mt3 Deposition on pasture— 4.3 Mt (excrement on pasture)4 Soil disturbance — 3.5 Mt5 Land Clearing — 55 Mt6 Savanna burning — 7.7 Mt7 Pasture improvement — (Good!) -3.4 Mt8 N.B. Most of Australia’s fertiliser goes on pasture.9 and that’s just the start.
Compare: Turnbull says lightglobe “initiative” will save 0.8 Mt.Source: AGO – End Use Allocation of Emissions
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 8 / 39
Red Meat Emissions 1999 — 130 Mt
What are the components of red meat emissions?1 Methane — enteric fermentation — 61 Mt2 Manure management — 2.3 Mt3 Deposition on pasture— 4.3 Mt (excrement on pasture)4 Soil disturbance — 3.5 Mt5 Land Clearing — 55 Mt6 Savanna burning — 7.7 Mt7 Pasture improvement — (Good!) -3.4 Mt8 N.B. Most of Australia’s fertiliser goes on pasture.9 and that’s just the start.
Compare: Turnbull says lightglobe “initiative” will save 0.8 Mt.Source: AGO – End Use Allocation of Emissions
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 8 / 39
Red Meat Emissions 1999 — 130 Mt
What are the components of red meat emissions?1 Methane — enteric fermentation — 61 Mt2 Manure management — 2.3 Mt3 Deposition on pasture— 4.3 Mt (excrement on pasture)4 Soil disturbance — 3.5 Mt5 Land Clearing — 55 Mt6 Savanna burning — 7.7 Mt7 Pasture improvement — (Good!) -3.4 Mt8 N.B. Most of Australia’s fertiliser goes on pasture.9 and that’s just the start.
Compare: Turnbull says lightglobe “initiative” will save 0.8 Mt.Source: AGO – End Use Allocation of Emissions
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 8 / 39
What is Global Warming Potential?
1 GWP is impact averaged over some time horizon2 GWPs add and subtract3 CO2 — COeq
24 Methane has 21 times the impact of CO2?5 Over what time period?
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 9 / 39
What is Global Warming Potential?
1 GWP is impact averaged over some time horizon2 GWPs add and subtract3 CO2 — COeq
24 Methane has 21 times the impact of CO2?5 Over what time period?
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 9 / 39
GWP — Global Warming Potential
Source: IPCC AR4 Technical Summary 2007.
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 10 / 39
What is Radiative Forcing?
1 Forcing is measured in (watts per square metre)2 Energy in — energy out3 Forcing is instantaneous impact on radiation budget4 why is “radiative forcing” a useful concept?5 Forcings are proportional to temperature change6 Forcings add and subtract7 Some forcings are easier to change than others
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 11 / 39
Radiative Forcings
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 12 / 39
Climate forcings – Direct Effects
1 Methane increases ozone O3 in the troposphere2 Methane increases water vapour in the stratosphere
Source: Hansen et al, Efficacy of Climate Forcings
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 13 / 39
Climate forcings – Direct Effects
1 Methane increases ozone O3 in the troposphere2 Methane increases water vapour in the stratosphere
Source: Hansen et al, Efficacy of Climate Forcings
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 13 / 39
Climate forcings – Direct Effects
1 Methane increases ozone O3 in the troposphere2 Methane increases water vapour in the stratosphere
Source: Hansen et al, Efficacy of Climate Forcings
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 13 / 39
Climate forcings – InDirect Effects
1 CO2 concentration 370 ppm2 CH4 concentration 1.75 ppm (note 1.75×2 = 3.50, about 1% of
CO2)
Source: Hansen et al, Efficacy of Climate Forcings
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 14 / 39
Climate forcings – InDirect Effects
1 CO2 concentration 370 ppm2 CH4 concentration 1.75 ppm (note 1.75×2 = 3.50, about 1% of
CO2)
Source: Hansen et al, Efficacy of Climate Forcings
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 14 / 39
Deodorant forcings
1 Can we reduce forcings otherthan by CO2 reductions?2 Montreal has saved the atmosphere about 9–12 Gt of Carbon3 Kyoto may save 2 Gt of Carbon
Source: Hansen and Sato, Greenhouse Gas Growth Rates
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 15 / 39
Why is Methane critical locally?
1 Cattle and sheep produce 3 Mt CH4 anually.2 Coal fired power stations produce about 180 Mt CO2 annually.
3 3×72 = 216 and 216 > 180.
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 16 / 39
Why is Methane critical? – Globally
1 Oceans are a huge flywheel and reductions of CO2 will have noimpact for decades
2 What is a fly wheel?3 Methane reductions are effective almost immediately4 James Hansen (Alt) called for deep methane cuts in 2001, 30%.5 Hansen again in 2004, 40%.6 Hansen in 2010, ???7 This isn’t either CO2 or CH4, its both8 CH4 to stabilise temperature quickly9 CO2 to lock it in
10 About 2/3 of global methane emissions are anthropogenic
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 17 / 39
Why is Methane critical? – Globally
1 Oceans are a huge flywheel and reductions of CO2 will have noimpact for decades
2 What is a fly wheel?3 Methane reductions are effective almost immediately4 James Hansen (Alt) called for deep methane cuts in 2001, 30%.5 Hansen again in 2004, 40%.6 Hansen in 2010, ???7 This isn’t either CO2 or CH4, its both8 CH4 to stabilise temperature quickly9 CO2 to lock it in
10 About 2/3 of global methane emissions are anthropogenic
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 17 / 39
Why is Methane critical? – Globally
1 Oceans are a huge flywheel and reductions of CO2 will have noimpact for decades
2 What is a fly wheel?3 Methane reductions are effective almost immediately4 James Hansen (Alt) called for deep methane cuts in 2001, 30%.5 Hansen again in 2004, 40%.6 Hansen in 2010, ???7 This isn’t either CO2 or CH4, its both8 CH4 to stabilise temperature quickly9 CO2 to lock it in
10 About 2/3 of global methane emissions are anthropogenic
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 17 / 39
Why is Methane critical? – Globally
1 Oceans are a huge flywheel and reductions of CO2 will have noimpact for decades
2 What is a fly wheel?3 Methane reductions are effective almost immediately4 James Hansen (Alt) called for deep methane cuts in 2001, 30%.5 Hansen again in 2004, 40%.6 Hansen in 2010, ???7 This isn’t either CO2 or CH4, its both8 CH4 to stabilise temperature quickly9 CO2 to lock it in
10 About 2/3 of global methane emissions are anthropogenic
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 17 / 39
Why is Methane critical? – Globally
1 Oceans are a huge flywheel and reductions of CO2 will have noimpact for decades
2 What is a fly wheel?3 Methane reductions are effective almost immediately4 James Hansen (Alt) called for deep methane cuts in 2001, 30%.5 Hansen again in 2004, 40%.6 Hansen in 2010, ???7 This isn’t either CO2 or CH4, its both8 CH4 to stabilise temperature quickly9 CO2 to lock it in
10 About 2/3 of global methane emissions are anthropogenic
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 17 / 39
Hansen’s 1988 Projections
Hansen quit his job to work on Global Warming in 1975Ace modeller — got a gulf stream with a 1000km cell model
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 18 / 39
Global Anthropogenic Methane (Megatonnes/annum)World's Biggest Methane Emitters
Methane Emissions (mega tonnes) Source: Edgar V32FT2000
Australia
Brazil
China
India
Indonesia
Mexico
Russian Federation
United States (USA)
0 5 10 15
RestHuman WasteCoalGasRiceLandfillEnteric Ferm./Manure
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 19 / 39
Global Anthropogenic Methane (Megatonnes/annum)World's Second biggest Methane Emitters
Methane Emissions (mega tonnes): Edgar V32FT2000
Argentina
Bangladesh
Canada
Germany (united)
Iran, Islamic Republic of
Nigeria
Pakistan
Poland
Saudi Arabia
Sudan
Thailand
Ukraine
Vietnam
0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5
RestHuman WasteCoalGasRiceLandfillEnteric Ferm./Manure
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 20 / 39
Diet and Emissions — Sydney UniversityEco-Calculator
1 14 serves of red meat per week (80gms per serve)
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 21 / 39
Diet and Emissions — Results CSIRO Diet
CSIRO Diet: 11.9 tonnes of emissionsand 7.2 ha land disturbance
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 22 / 39
Diet and Emissions — Results Vegan Diet
Plant based diet: — 6.2 tonnes of emissionsand 2.7 ha land disturbance
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 23 / 39
Effects of Different Lifecycle Changes
Slash electricity usefrom $360 to $180
per quarter
Reduce petrol from$100/month to
$20/month
Switch from high redmeat diet to vegetarian
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Savings in Greenhouse Emissionstonnes per year
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 24 / 39
Australia’s Kyoto Performance
Source AGO:
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 25 / 39
Australia’s Kyoto Performance
Source: AGO National Inventory by Economic Sector 2004
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 26 / 39
Land-use
Between 1990 and 2004 Australia’s sheep population plungedfrom 170 million to 101 million.The Australian Greenhouse Office allocated about 90% ofemissions from all land cleared between 1990 and 1999 to beefproduction
1980 1990 2000
2223
2425
2627
28
Cat
tle 'm
illio
n
1980 1990 2000
100
120
140
160
She
ep 'm
illio
n
Source: AGO – End Use Allocation of EmissionsGeoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 27 / 39
Australia’s Kyoto Performance
All down to sheep?Can you stop land clearing twice?
Source: AGO National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Analysis of recenttrends and Greenhouse Indicators 1990 to 2004
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 28 / 39
Fudging the numbers
Agriculture 98.4 Mt (2000 AGO Inventory)Sheep and Cattle 130 Mt (1999 — AGO End Use Report (2004))
Source: AGO – End Use Allocation of Emissions
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 29 / 39
Land Clearing
Source: SOE 2006
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 30 / 39
Global Issues — Livestock’s Long Shadow
Livestock account for 20% of the total terrestrial animal biomassLivestock occupy 30% of the land surfaceLivestock is the major driver of deforestationLivestock is a leading factor in:
biodiversity reductionland degradationpollutionclimate changeoverfishingcoastal sedimentation
Global deforestation produces 25% of all greenhouse emissionsthen add cattle and methanethen add more refrigeration
Source: UN 2006. Livestock’s Long Shadow, Global Canopy Program
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 31 / 39
Global Issues — Livestock’s Long Shadow
Livestock account for 20% of the total terrestrial animal biomassLivestock occupy 30% of the land surfaceLivestock is the major driver of deforestationLivestock is a leading factor in:
biodiversity reductionland degradationpollutionclimate changeoverfishingcoastal sedimentation
Global deforestation produces 25% of all greenhouse emissionsthen add cattle and methanethen add more refrigeration
Source: UN 2006. Livestock’s Long Shadow, Global Canopy Program
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 31 / 39
Global Issues — Livestock’s Long Shadow
Livestock account for 20% of the total terrestrial animal biomassLivestock occupy 30% of the land surfaceLivestock is the major driver of deforestationLivestock is a leading factor in:
biodiversity reductionland degradationpollutionclimate changeoverfishingcoastal sedimentation
Global deforestation produces 25% of all greenhouse emissionsthen add cattle and methanethen add more refrigeration
Source: UN 2006. Livestock’s Long Shadow, Global Canopy Program
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 31 / 39
Global Issues — Livestock’s Long Shadow
Livestock account for 20% of the total terrestrial animal biomassLivestock occupy 30% of the land surfaceLivestock is the major driver of deforestationLivestock is a leading factor in:
biodiversity reductionland degradationpollutionclimate changeoverfishingcoastal sedimentation
Global deforestation produces 25% of all greenhouse emissionsthen add cattle and methanethen add more refrigeration
Source: UN 2006. Livestock’s Long Shadow, Global Canopy Program
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 31 / 39
Global Issues — Livestock’s Long Shadow
Livestock account for 20% of the total terrestrial animal biomassLivestock occupy 30% of the land surfaceLivestock is the major driver of deforestationLivestock is a leading factor in:
biodiversity reductionland degradationpollutionclimate changeoverfishingcoastal sedimentation
Global deforestation produces 25% of all greenhouse emissionsthen add cattle and methanethen add more refrigeration
Source: UN 2006. Livestock’s Long Shadow, Global Canopy Program
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 31 / 39
Global Issues — Livestock’s Long Shadow
Livestock account for 20% of the total terrestrial animal biomassLivestock occupy 30% of the land surfaceLivestock is the major driver of deforestationLivestock is a leading factor in:
biodiversity reductionland degradationpollutionclimate changeoverfishingcoastal sedimentation
Global deforestation produces 25% of all greenhouse emissionsthen add cattle and methanethen add more refrigeration
Source: UN 2006. Livestock’s Long Shadow, Global Canopy Program
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 31 / 39
Global Issues — Livestock’s Long Shadow
Livestock account for 20% of the total terrestrial animal biomassLivestock occupy 30% of the land surfaceLivestock is the major driver of deforestationLivestock is a leading factor in:
biodiversity reductionland degradationpollutionclimate changeoverfishingcoastal sedimentation
Global deforestation produces 25% of all greenhouse emissionsthen add cattle and methanethen add more refrigeration
Source: UN 2006. Livestock’s Long Shadow, Global Canopy Program
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 31 / 39
Global Issues — Livestock’s Long Shadow
Livestock account for 20% of the total terrestrial animal biomassLivestock occupy 30% of the land surfaceLivestock is the major driver of deforestationLivestock is a leading factor in:
biodiversity reductionland degradationpollutionclimate changeoverfishingcoastal sedimentation
Global deforestation produces 25% of all greenhouse emissionsthen add cattle and methanethen add more refrigeration
Source: UN 2006. Livestock’s Long Shadow, Global Canopy Program
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 31 / 39
Global Issues — Livestock’s Long Shadow
Livestock account for 20% of the total terrestrial animal biomassLivestock occupy 30% of the land surfaceLivestock is the major driver of deforestationLivestock is a leading factor in:
biodiversity reductionland degradationpollutionclimate changeoverfishingcoastal sedimentation
Global deforestation produces 25% of all greenhouse emissionsthen add cattle and methanethen add more refrigeration
Source: UN 2006. Livestock’s Long Shadow, Global Canopy Program
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 31 / 39
Global Issues — Livestock’s Long Shadow
Livestock account for 20% of the total terrestrial animal biomassLivestock occupy 30% of the land surfaceLivestock is the major driver of deforestationLivestock is a leading factor in:
biodiversity reductionland degradationpollutionclimate changeoverfishingcoastal sedimentation
Global deforestation produces 25% of all greenhouse emissionsthen add cattle and methanethen add more refrigeration
Source: UN 2006. Livestock’s Long Shadow, Global Canopy Program
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 31 / 39
Global Issues — Livestock’s Long Shadow
Livestock account for 20% of the total terrestrial animal biomassLivestock occupy 30% of the land surfaceLivestock is the major driver of deforestationLivestock is a leading factor in:
biodiversity reductionland degradationpollutionclimate changeoverfishingcoastal sedimentation
Global deforestation produces 25% of all greenhouse emissionsthen add cattle and methanethen add more refrigeration
Source: UN 2006. Livestock’s Long Shadow, Global Canopy Program
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 31 / 39
Global Issues — Livestock’s Long Shadow
Livestock account for 20% of the total terrestrial animal biomassLivestock occupy 30% of the land surfaceLivestock is the major driver of deforestationLivestock is a leading factor in:
biodiversity reductionland degradationpollutionclimate changeoverfishingcoastal sedimentation
Global deforestation produces 25% of all greenhouse emissionsthen add cattle and methanethen add more refrigeration
Source: UN 2006. Livestock’s Long Shadow, Global Canopy Program
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 31 / 39
Global Issues — Livestock’s Long Shadow
Livestock account for 20% of the total terrestrial animal biomassLivestock occupy 30% of the land surfaceLivestock is the major driver of deforestationLivestock is a leading factor in:
biodiversity reductionland degradationpollutionclimate changeoverfishingcoastal sedimentation
Global deforestation produces 25% of all greenhouse emissionsthen add cattle and methanethen add more refrigeration
Source: UN 2006. Livestock’s Long Shadow, Global Canopy Program
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 31 / 39
Global Issues — Livestock’s Long Shadow
Livestock account for 20% of the total terrestrial animal biomassLivestock occupy 30% of the land surfaceLivestock is the major driver of deforestationLivestock is a leading factor in:
biodiversity reductionland degradationpollutionclimate changeoverfishingcoastal sedimentation
Global deforestation produces 25% of all greenhouse emissionsthen add cattle and methanethen add more refrigeration
Source: UN 2006. Livestock’s Long Shadow, Global Canopy Program
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 31 / 39
Global Issues — China’s Rice Paddies
Wouldn’t it be great to get rid of all those methane producing ricepaddies in China?
Rice
BeefSheep
0 200 400 600
Global ProductionCalories per person
per day
Rice
EntericFermentation
0 20 60 100
Methane ProductionMegatonnes
Source: FAOStat/Houghton
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 32 / 39
China has a taste for beef
Coal may not be the biggest problem.
1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
5060
7080
9010
011
0
Source: FAOstat
Cat
tle 'm
illio
n (B
razi
l)
Cat
tle 'm
illio
n (C
hina
)
120
140
160
180
200
Source: FAOStatGeoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 33 / 39
Types of water
Free water — you don’t pay for it but it has a costExtracted water — taken from rivers, big damsOn farm dams — complicatedRecycled water
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 34 / 39
Types of water
Free water — you don’t pay for it but it has a costExtracted water — taken from rivers, big damsOn farm dams — complicatedRecycled water
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 34 / 39
Types of water
Free water — you don’t pay for it but it has a costExtracted water — taken from rivers, big damsOn farm dams — complicatedRecycled water
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 34 / 39
Types of water
Free water — you don’t pay for it but it has a costExtracted water — taken from rivers, big damsOn farm dams — complicatedRecycled water
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 34 / 39
Types of water
Free water — you don’t pay for it but it has a costExtracted water — taken from rivers, big damsOn farm dams — complicatedRecycled water
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 34 / 39
Where does Australia’s water go?
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 35 / 39
Where does Australia’s water go?
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 35 / 39
Irrigation Water in Australia
Pastures – GrazingCotton
Sugar CaneMining and Manufacturing
Cereal crops – grain,seedPastures – hay,silage
Fruit Trees, nuts, plantationsRice
GrapevinesVegetables – human use
Pastures – SeedCereal crops – hay
Cereal crops not grain,seedOther broadacre crops
Nurseries,flowers,turf
500 1000 1500 2000 2500
Irrigation Water Use in Australia (giga litres)
Source: ABS
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 36 / 39
Total Extracted Water Use
DairyBeef
CottonHousehold
RiceFruit and Veg
SugarSheep and Wool
Grapes
1000 2000 3000
Major Water Users (giga litres)
Source: CSIRO 2005 Balancing Act
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 37 / 39
MDB Water Use
But Balancing Act was based on 1995 data, what’s happening now?Between 1996/7 and 2000/1 in the MDB
Dairy — 2,500 to 4,200 giga litres ($93/ML)Cotton — 2,100 to 2,900 giga litres ($258/ML)Rice — 1,600 to 1,900 giga litres ($52/ML)Beef+Sheep — 1,700 to 1,200 giga litres ($-20/ML)
Source: CSIRO Bryan and Marvanek Nov.2004
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 38 / 39
Conclusion
1 Red meat is destroying the Amazon2 Red meat has deforested millions of hectares of Australia3 Livestock are the biggest source of anthropogenic methane4 Rumour has it that farmers produce them only because people eat
meat5 CSIRO is unarguably biggest greenhouse vandal in Australia —
and is a world player.
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 39 / 39
Conclusion
1 Red meat is destroying the Amazon2 Red meat has deforested millions of hectares of Australia3 Livestock are the biggest source of anthropogenic methane4 Rumour has it that farmers produce them only because people eat
meat5 CSIRO is unarguably biggest greenhouse vandal in Australia —
and is a world player.
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 39 / 39
Conclusion
1 Red meat is destroying the Amazon2 Red meat has deforested millions of hectares of Australia3 Livestock are the biggest source of anthropogenic methane4 Rumour has it that farmers produce them only because people eat
meat5 CSIRO is unarguably biggest greenhouse vandal in Australia —
and is a world player.
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 39 / 39
Conclusion
1 Red meat is destroying the Amazon2 Red meat has deforested millions of hectares of Australia3 Livestock are the biggest source of anthropogenic methane4 Rumour has it that farmers produce them only because people eat
meat5 CSIRO is unarguably biggest greenhouse vandal in Australia —
and is a world player.
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 39 / 39
Conclusion
1 Red meat is destroying the Amazon2 Red meat has deforested millions of hectares of Australia3 Livestock are the biggest source of anthropogenic methane4 Rumour has it that farmers produce them only because people eat
meat5 CSIRO is unarguably biggest greenhouse vandal in Australia —
and is a world player.
Geoff Russell () Dietary Impacts on Global Warming 20th May, 2007 39 / 39