New report reveals the environmental and social impact of the 'livestock revolution'
http://news.stanford.edu/news/2010/march/livestock-revolution-environment-031610.html
19-Mar-2010 (16 years 2 months 20 days ago)A new report by an international research team explores the impact of the global livestock industry on the environment, the economy and human health.
Global meat production has tripled in the past three decades and could double its present level by 2050.
Among the key findings in the report are:
• More than 1.7 billion animals are used in livestock production worldwide and occupy more than one-fourth of the Earth's land.
• Production of animal feed consumes about one-third of total arable land.
• Livestock production accounts for approximately 40 percent of the global agricultural gross domestic product.
• The livestock sector, including feed production and transport, is responsible for about 18 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.
Global meat production has tripled in the past three decades and could double its present level by 2050.
Among the key findings in the report are:
• More than 1.7 billion animals are used in livestock production worldwide and occupy more than one-fourth of the Earth's land.
• Production of animal feed consumes about one-third of total arable land.
• Livestock production accounts for approximately 40 percent of the global agricultural gross domestic product.
• The livestock sector, including feed production and transport, is responsible for about 18 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.