Cow burps have a big impact on global warming - but scientists think they've found a solution

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Sky News or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: A pioneering breeding program in Scotland has made strides toward reducing methane emissions from cows
•  By selecting cattle that produce less methane, the program promises a 40% reduction in emissions over 20 years
•  This development could be a key component in addressing global warming, as methane is 80 times more potent than CO2 in trapping heat in the short term

🔭 The context: Agriculture, particularly livestock farming, accounts for around 12% of global methane emissions
•  The Cool Cows breeding initiative aims to use genetic selection rather than genetic modification to produce cows with lower methane emissions
•  The process includes using a DNA test to predict low methane-producing animals and then applying IVF techniques for more rapid breeding cycles
•  This could be a critical development as methane emissions contribute significantly to the acceleration of climate change

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Methane's relatively short lifespan in the atmosphere means that reducing it can produce quick environmental benefits
•  By cutting methane emissions from cattle, the agriculture sector—a major source of emissions—can become more sustainable
•  This strategy, combined with a shift towards plant-based diets, could be part of a broader effort to mitigate climate change while balancing agricultural practices

⏭️ What’s next: As the Cool Cows program continues, the effectiveness of these breeding practices will be monitored
•  The potential for large-scale adoption of this technology across the global farming community could pave the way for more sustainable practices
•  However, experts emphasize the need for broader dietary changes and agricultural policy shifts, such as reducing livestock numbers and supporting plant-based alternatives, to achieve substantial methane reductions

💬 One quote: "Yes, let's make things more efficient if we can, because I don't think an entirely vegan world is a feasible," said Emma Garnett from the University of Oxford

📈 One stat: Beef consumption has dropped by 62% since 1980 due to growing concerns about health, animal welfare, and climate impacts

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