Less Hot Air About Cow Emissions

Influential new figures from the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation at last show a more accurate picture of greenhouse gas emissions from dairy products.

Scientists at the FAO found that dairy is responsible for only 2.7% of global man-made emissions. By comparison, aviation in the UK accounts for some 7% of national emissions.

The report’s findings mean that dairy cows are not the environmental villains that some have claimed, backing up another recent study that found the cows themselves are responsible directly for just 1.2% of UK emissions (A Sustainable Dairy Sector, CE Delft, October 2008).

Dairy UK Director General Jim Begg welcomed the new study. He said: “This high level report from the FAO has been two years in the making and at last sheds light on the true impact of dairy farming on the environment.

“In producing some of the nation’s most popular and nutritious foods, dairy cows, milk tankers and dairies emit less than 2.7% of the world’s greenhouse gases. Of course, we’re still working to lower that figure, but the report shows that the industry’s critics are the ones really producing hot air.

“The FAO has confirmed that northern Europe is one of the most efficient regions in the world to produce milk. And thanks to initiatives such as the UK’s Milk Roadmap, the dairy industry is constantly improving its record by cutting energy use, further reducing cow emissions, using more recycled plastic in milk bottles and preserving valuable water supplies.

“So consumers should carry on enjoying the British milk, cheese, yogurt and other dairy products that they love.”