I was recently asked to respond to study results based on United Nations data, published by Visual Capitalist, which reported that humans added an additional 57 billion tons of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to the atmosphere in 2023. This startling figure underscores the urgency of addressing climate change, as some studies suggest the planet is on track to surpass a global average temperature increase of 1.5°C within the next six years.
The study revealed that in 2023, electricity and heat generation accounted for 26% of human-caused GHG emissions, closely followed by fuel production and transportation at 25%. Agriculture, forestry, and land-use changes—including deforestation for crops and livestock grazing—ranked third at 18%. However, these categories often overlap, as an increasing proportion of crops are now used for biofuels, which also contribute to GHG emissions.
The Growing Concern Over Methane (CH₄)
Every update on human-caused GHG emissions seems to uncover new and larger sources of methane (CH₄), a potent greenhouse gas with a significantly greater warming potential than carbon dioxide (CO₂). However, as far as I can tell, current CH₄ estimates do not include emissions from unmanaged grasslands and savannahs that are not used for domestic livestock grazing. This omission stems from efforts to distinguish “man-made” or anthropogenic emissions from “natural” exchanges between the Earth and the atmosphere.
In many wealthy nations, unmanaged grasslands and savannahs supporting limited animal populations are often considered “natural.” However, this categorization is problematic and could lead to poorly informed climate policies.
Unmanaged Grasslands: A Hidden Source of Methane
Research conducted by the Archbold Biological Station in Florida, under the leadership of Dr. Elizabeth Boughton, has revealed that unmanaged and under-populated grasslands and savannahs frequently release significant amounts of CH₄, particularly when the water table lies close to the surface. In many cases, they emit more CH₄ today than they did hundreds of years ago, before human activity depleted the large, diverse populations of native mammals and birds that once occupied those lands. These animals once roamed the plains, feeding on and replenishing the grasslands in a dynamic, balanced ecosystem.
Interestingly, the native animals that inhabited these ecosystems were primarily ruminants—like today’s cattle, but wild. Their absence has reduced biodiversity, and disrupted the natural carbon and nitrogen cycles of these landscapes, leaving unmanaged grasslands as overlooked sources of methane emissions.
Livestock and Grasslands: Misconceptions and Opportunities
When assessing the climate impacts of agriculture and livestock production, it is incorrect to exclude CH₄ emissions from unmanaged grasslands and savannahs from the category of anthropogenic emissions. Moreover, it is misleading to suggest that the solution is to stop eating meat altogether. Instead, we need to return native ruminants to these ecosystems, in large numbers, to restore balance.
Well-managed grazing systems often emit less CH₄ than unmanaged grasslands. Research consistently shows that managed pastures, populated by native animal and plant species, have lower soil CH₄ emissions than under-populated or so-called "natural" grasslands. While the difference in soil emissions may not fully offset the enteric CH₄ emissions from livestock, combining better feed formulations with diversified grazing animal populations and plant species can make a significant positive impact. By shifting away from monocultures like fescue—which now dominate over 70% of grasslands in many areas—and introducing diverse plant species, we can reduce combined soil and enteric CH₄ emissions to levels comparable to or even lower than those of currently depleted, unmanaged grasslands.
A Balanced Vision for the Future
The narrative around livestock and climate change must evolve to reflect the complexity of ecosystems. Restoring grasslands with diverse animal and plant populations is not only beneficial but necessary for long-term climate resilience. In a truly sustainable system, humans can consume ruminant meat and use their skins for clothing in a circular, regenerative cycle that honors ecological balance.
To mitigate climate risks effectively, we must adopt policies that recognize the dynamic exchange of carbon between the earth’s crust and out atmosphere, and the important role that ruminants have played over time. Overlooking unmanaged grasslands as a source of emissions while unfairly vilifying livestock could lead to misdirected strategies. By integrating sustainable livestock management with ecosystem restoration, we can work toward a balanced future that reduces greenhouse gas emissions while supporting biodiversity and food security.
