Global environmental consequences of the livestock sector's growth

The growth of the livestock sector is being achieved at substantial environmental cost. Today, livestock represent a major stress on the global environment, occupying a quarter of emerged land (a third of agricultural land), contributing to a fifth of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, using 8% of water resources and threatening a wide range of endangered species. At the same time, livestock constitute a crucial engine of rural growth and an asset for improving food security. Policies are required to guide the sector in achieving contrasting developmental objectives. Potential pathways include encouraging resource efficiency, correcting environmental externalities and accelerating technology change.