The European Union (EU) will be forced to reduce methane 30% by 2030 If the number of cattle heads doesn’t decrease, according to a new report released this Tuesday.
The study, prepared by the CE Delft consultancy for the Changing Markets Foundation, using the EU reference scenario in 2020 and if nothing changes, Methane emissions from Twenty-Seven will decrease by only 13.4% by 2030.
However, much larger discounts can be achieved with measures to encourage Europeans to adopt. Healthier diets with less meat and dairy.
Methane emissions in Twenty-Seven Up to 34% could be reduced if 10% of European consumers switch to healthier eating reduced consumption of meat and dairy products and accelerated resolution plans. emissions from manure, According to the report, food waste and energy production.
If half of Europeans reduce their meat and dairy consumption and take additional measures, such as actions to reduce food loss and waste, Achieving a 38 to 47% reduction, adds the study.
The report shows that it is necessary Halve the average European consumer’s consumption of pork and beef To adapt your diet to healthy eating rules, reduce your milk consumption by a quarter.
food waste
On the other hand, it points to: removal of waste and food loss reduce emissions by a quarter Separation and reuse of about a third of organic waste (between 21% and 31%) (between 20% and 24% by 2030).
this Livestock “Achilles heel of Europe’s methane strategy” Nusa Urbancic from Changing Markets said in a statement that the emissions produced by EU livestock farms are equivalent to the emissions of a total of 50 coal power plants.
Also, “policies that can produce encourage the transition to healthier diets with substantial cuts, less meat and dairy products, It is completely absent from the EU plans,” he said.
Luís Ferreirim, the person responsible for the Agriculture Campaign at Greenpeace Spain, said that the agricultural sector in that country is responsible. 63% of total methane emissions and 98% of them are livestock.
Monique Goyens, managing director of the European Consumer Organization, said:It’s unbelievable that EU money is still being spent promoting red and processed meat, Experts say we need to reduce it to minimize cancer risks.”
“Healthier, plant-based diets with fewer and better animal products, can benefit the health of the consumer and the planet. Goyens said the EU should focus on making healthy and sustainable diets widely accessible, attractive and affordable for all consumers.