Key Topics – Our Environment in Focus
Explore our key topics to learn about the most important challenges and solutions related to sustainability. Click on a topic to dive deeper and discover practical tips you can apply in everyday life.
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Methane Emissions from Livestock: An Underestimated Climate Threat
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Methane (CH₄) is a potent greenhouse gas—about 28 times more powerful than carbon dioxide (CO₂) over a 100-year period.
A significant share of these emissions comes from livestock farming, especially from ruminants like cattle. In Germany, approximately 75.9% of methane emissions in the agricultural sector are due to fermentation in ruminants.
Globally, livestock farming contributes nearly 120 million tons of methane to the atmosphere each year—equivalent to 3.3 billion tons of CO₂. Despite its shorter atmospheric lifespan (around 12 years) compared to CO₂, methane’s high global warming potential makes it a major short-term driver of climate change.
Methane Emissions from Livestock: An Underestimated Climate Threat
Methane (CH₄) is a potent greenhouse gas—about 28 times more powerful than carbon dioxide (CO₂) over a 100-year period.
A significant share of these emissions comes from livestock farming, especially from ruminants like cattle. In Germany, approximately 75.9% of methane emissions in the agricultural sector are due to fermentation in ruminants.
Globally, livestock farming contributes nearly 120 million tons of methane to the atmosphere each year—equivalent to 3.3 billion tons of CO₂. Despite its shorter atmospheric lifespan (around 12 years) compared to CO₂, methane’s high global warming potential makes it a major short-term driver of climate change.