The Green Revolution: Reducing Emissions in Livestock Farming

Large-scale cattle farming has a significant environmental impact, as seen in this photo from baodantoc.vn.

The livestock industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and adopt more sustainable practices. This is not just an environmental concern, but also a public health and economic issue, crucial for the long-term viability of the agricultural sector.

Livestock farming is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, with the production process emitting methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2). Methane is of particular concern due to its potent heat-trapping capabilities, 25 times more effective than carbon dioxide.

In 2022, Vietnam was home to a large population of livestock, including cows, buffalos, pigs, and poultry. Dr. Nguyen The Hinh, from the agriculture projects management board, noted that the country had approximately eight million cows and buffalos, 14.7 million pigs, and 380 million poultry.

By 2030, Vietnam aims to increase its livestock numbers, as outlined in the approved Livestock Strategy. This will result in an estimated ten million cattle, 30 million pigs, and about 670 million poultry, according to Hinh.

The livestock sector’s greenhouse gas emissions are significant, with an annual output of about 18.5 million tonnes of CO2e, accounting for 19% of agricultural emissions, as highlighted by Hinh.

Concentrated livestock farms, particularly pig and dairy farming, tend to generate the highest levels of methane emissions. This is due to the large volumes of water used for cleaning barns, which mixes with animal manure and creates an ideal environment for anaerobic bacteria to thrive, as explained by an industry expert.

Associate Professor Dr. Cao The Ha from the Vietnam-Japan University sheds light on pig farming as the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions. On average, a pig produces 0.36 kg of organic manure, resulting in 1.8 kg of CO2 emissions per kilogram of pig manure.

With the expected increase in pig population by 2030, the annual CO2 emissions are projected to reach approximately 5,913,000 tonnes. Ha emphasizes the potential of livestock waste as a valuable resource for biogas energy development.

Biogas, produced from livestock waste, offers a promising solution for sustainable energy in the future. Vietnam has already installed thousands of biogas systems, primarily for household cooking. Additionally, some livestock farms have adopted decentralized biogas power generators as an alternative to diesel generators.

However, biogas digesters are not without their drawbacks, as they can contribute to air pollution. In Ha Nam province, for example, local officials reported that 30% of households using biogas digesters for pig farming released unpleasant odors and improperly discharged waste, leading to water pollution in nearby areas.

The livestock industry plays a significant role in Vietnam’s economy, contributing over 25% to the agriculture sector’s GDP. According to Pham Thi Xuan, Vice President of the Vietnam Clean Water and Environment, it is one of the fastest-growing industries, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Xuan emphasizes the need for a shift from small-scale to large-scale, commercial farming to keep up with the industry’s growth. However, she also acknowledges the environmental challenges posed by larger operations, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and pollution control.

The rapid increase in livestock populations and the coexistence of small-scale and industrial farms have further complicated the issue of emissions. Cattle digestion and intensive farming practices are significant contributors to methane and nitrous oxide emissions, respectively.

Additionally, the expansion of livestock farming often leads to deforestation and climate change, as forests are converted into pastures or cropland for animal feed production. The use of fertilizers in agriculture also contributes to potent greenhouse gas emissions.

Water pollution caused by animal waste is another pressing environmental concern. When livestock waste seeps into nearby water sources, it can lead to pollution and the degradation of aquatic ecosystems.

The transportation of animal feed over long distances also has a climate impact. With large numbers of livestock to sustain, significant carbon emissions are generated from the transport vehicles.

Addressing greenhouse gas emissions from the livestock sector is no longer optional; it is an urgent necessity in the fight against climate change. Livestock farming contributes up to 14.5% of total global greenhouse gas emissions, exerting immense pressure on the climate system and natural resources.

Experts agree that reducing emissions from livestock is crucial for stabilizing the global climate, protecting the environment, and safeguarding the future for generations to come. This is not just a distant goal but a vital mission in the ongoing battle against climate change.