Livestock Production: Climate and Sustainability Impacts ^†

Abstract

Despite abundant evidence about the large contribution of livestock production to climate change and its serious negative impacts on sustainability, it has only recently started to come under scrutiny. Greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, biodiversity loss, the inefficient use of natural resources, and the application of antibiotics are some of the aspects associated with the current and increasing trends in the supply of livestock food products. With sustainability being an anthropocentric concept, there seems to be little concern about animal exploitation and limited discussion about the role of livestock in improving human quality of life. The presentation provides an overview of the climate and sustainability impacts of livestock production and argues that an increase in the adoption of plant-based options is a win-win situation for all the species on this planet.