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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Nikkei Asia or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: Australian startup AgCoTech has launched a methane-reduction project in Laos, using mineral-infused lick blocks to cut emissions from cattle
• The company’s factory near Luang Prabang produces these supplements, which are designed to reduce methane-rich burps — a major source of livestock-related greenhouse gases
• The project also generates carbon credits, enabling monetisation of emission reductions
🔭 The context: Livestock are responsible for over 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with methane from enteric fermentation (cow burps) being a key contributor
• Solutions like feed additives and dietary supplements have gained traction globally as cost-effective tools to decarbonise agriculture, particularly in regions with large pastoral economies and limited infrastructure for high-tech solutions
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: AgCoTech’s lick blocks could provide a scalable, low-cost solution for reducing methane emissions in developing nations with large cattle populations
• By generating verifiable carbon credits, the initiative links climate finance with smallholder agricultural practices, supporting both climate mitigation and rural development
⏭️ What's next: AgCoTech plans to expand its model to other Southeast Asian countries, potentially tapping into regional carbon markets and climate funds
• The project may serve as a template for blending emission reduction technologies with rural economic incentives, and could attract interest from development agencies and climate investors
• Key milestones include third-party verification of carbon credits and demonstration of long-term methane reduction outcomes
💬 One quote: “This project aligns sustainable livestock practices with carbon market innovation, creating value for farmers and the planet,” — an AgCoTech spokesperson
📈 One stat: The livestock sector contributes over 10% of total global greenhouse gas emissions, largely from methane produced during digestion
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