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Why this action matters
Backed by researchLivestock methane emissions account for over 36% of anthropogenic methane emissions globally, making them a significant driver of near-term warming and a critical gap in current carbon budgets and climate targets [Rockström et al., 2023]. Including these emissions in carbon budgets and mandating their reporting would address the underrepresentation of livestock in climate policy, enabling more accurate tracking and mitigation of a major source of greenhouse gases, which is essential for achieving global climate goals and transforming food systems toward sustainability [Scarborough et al., 2023].
Concept connections
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What this action would change
Backed by researchThe action itself
Including livestock methane in carbon budgets and mandating methane reporting from large producers ensures that methane emissions from agriculture are formally accounted for and monitored, aligning with global climate targets and improving transparency in emissions reporting.
What it would change in the UK
In the UK, this action addresses a significant gap in emissions accounting, as agriculture is the largest source of methane, contributing to over 54% of global food system methane emissions, with livestock being the primary source. Including livestock methane in carbon budgets will improve the accuracy of UK emissions inventories and support more effective mitigation strategies.
What it would change worldwide
By including livestock methane in national carbon budgets, the UK sets a precedent that may influence other major livestock-producing countries to adopt similar policies, addressing a critical gap in global methane accounting and contributing to the Climate & Clean Air Coalition’s goal of reducing methane emissions by 45% by 2030 to limit global warming.
Where national politics stands
The percentage weighs up decisions that bind a body — a legal order it must follow, or a counted vote in Parliament — against words that bind nobody, such as a press release or a signature on an .
What councils have decided (27)
Supporting — 9
Mentioned / neutral — 18
The research behind it
Published research about food and farming as a whole, not this action in particular
We are holding this summary back until we have checked it
This summary was written before we started checking summaries against the papers they cite, so it has not been checked.
Research and reports on this action
Research that argues the other way
We are holding this summary back until we have checked it
This summary was written before we started checking summaries against the papers they cite, so it has not been checked.