Opinion: Livestock and Sustainable Development Do Mix
You would be forgiven for thinking that livestock and sustainable development don't mix. Reducing meat consumption has sometimes been cited as a great way to combat climate change - one of the anchors of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development - given that the livestock sector's carbon emissions are equal to those from all the road vehicles in the world.
But aren't we oversimplifying the role the sector can play in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
Livestock production systems, enterprises and consumption patterns vastly differ around the world, and contribute more broadly to sustainable development than is currently recognised.
To harness livestock for the greatest good, it is essential to grasp this huge diversity in practices and understand the different interventions it requires.
Adrian Valenzuela