A group of academics has proposed a series of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the UK agriculture, forestry and land-use sector by almost two-thirds before 2050.
The report from the Committee on Climate Change states that a 64% drop in emissions can be achieved without compromising UK domestic food production or increasing food imports.
The group was set up to advise the UK government on policies relating to climate change. Its latest report recommends increasing UK forestry cover from 13% to 17%, cutting food waste by 20% and restoring 50% of upland peat habitat and 25% of lowland peat.
Most controversially, the CCC recommend a 20% reduction in consumption of beef, lamb and dairy products
The plan also includes implementing “low-carbon farming practices” including controlled-release fertilisers, slurry acidification, improved livestock health and growing the UK’s bioenergy crop area by 23,000ha each year.
Most controversially, the CCC recommend a 20% reduction in consumption of beef, lamb and dairy products, which would lead to a 10% drop in cattle and sheep numbers when population growth is accounted for.
The group points out that the projected reduction in UK livestock numbers is less than the 20% drop seen over the past 20 years. It says its plan would cost £1.4bn per year, and compares it to the £3.3bn which is currently spent on CAP.
Read more
Grassland livestock production cycle traps 98% of methane - US climate guru
Plant-based foods have a higher carbon footprint than meat and dairy
A group of academics has proposed a series of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the UK agriculture, forestry and land-use sector by almost two-thirds before 2050.
The report from the Committee on Climate Change states that a 64% drop in emissions can be achieved without compromising UK domestic food production or increasing food imports.
The group was set up to advise the UK government on policies relating to climate change. Its latest report recommends increasing UK forestry cover from 13% to 17%, cutting food waste by 20% and restoring 50% of upland peat habitat and 25% of lowland peat.
Most controversially, the CCC recommend a 20% reduction in consumption of beef, lamb and dairy products
The plan also includes implementing “low-carbon farming practices” including controlled-release fertilisers, slurry acidification, improved livestock health and growing the UK’s bioenergy crop area by 23,000ha each year.
Most controversially, the CCC recommend a 20% reduction in consumption of beef, lamb and dairy products, which would lead to a 10% drop in cattle and sheep numbers when population growth is accounted for.
The group points out that the projected reduction in UK livestock numbers is less than the 20% drop seen over the past 20 years. It says its plan would cost £1.4bn per year, and compares it to the £3.3bn which is currently spent on CAP.
Read more
Grassland livestock production cycle traps 98% of methane - US climate guru
Plant-based foods have a higher carbon footprint than meat and dairy
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