August 3, 2023
Cardiff University report urges reduced livestock farming for Wales' net zero goals
A report from Cardiff University's Wales Centre for Public Policy (WCPP) underscores the need for significant changes in Welsh agriculture to achieve the nation's net-zero goals, which includes transitioning away from livestock farming, and for individuals to embrace more plant-based diets, Nation Cymru reported.
The WCPP's response to the Wales Net Zero 2035 Challenge Group's inquiry examines how Wales could attain self-sufficiency by 2035 while adhering to net-zero targets.
The report highlights the challenges posed by the agricultural sector, which is expected to be the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions in Wales by 2035, as other sectors move more rapidly toward decarbonization.
The findings suggest that certain agricultural land should be repurposed to contribute to carbon sinks, including increasing woodland, forestry, and peat bogs. Additionally, to mitigate emissions, a reduction in livestock numbers is necessary.
The report said that livestock farming significantly contributes to emissions, with direct methane emissions from livestock and manure management accounting for a large portion of agricultural emissions. Livestock-related emissions also impact air, soil, and water quality, leading to concerns for biodiversity and human health.
The report underscores the importance of releasing land from livestock systems for other carbon-efficient uses, such as afforestation or agroforestry, to enhance carbon sequestration.
The study further points out that shifting towards plant-based diets, reducing meat consumption, and consuming less ultra-processed foods are essential for mitigating climate change and promoting human and planetary health.
Dr Helen Tilley, WCPP senior research Fellow, said that addressing Wales' land use, farming, and food systems requires recognising interconnected challenges and seizing opportunities for change.
Jane Davidson, chairman of the Wales Net Zero 2035 Challenge Group, emphasised the significance of the report in guiding their efforts to accelerate progress toward net zero while ensuring a just transition that prioritizes the well-being of future generations.
- Nation Cymru
