Greenhouse Gas Footprint of the Australian Red Meat Production and Processing Sectors | 2019
| Project start date: | 14 April 2022 |
| Project end date: | 28 April 2022 |
| Publication date: | 21 July 2022 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle, Sheep, Goat, Lamb |
| Relevant regions: | Southern Australia, Northern Australia, National, NSW, Western Australia, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, Northern Territory, Tasmania, Eastern Australia |
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Summary
The red meat industry contributes to Australia’s national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In a previous project (B.CCH.7714), a method was developed to quantify GHG emissions from red meat production based on the UNFCCC Australian National GHG Inventory. Annual updates to these calculations enable the industry to track changes in emissions attributed to red meat.
Objectives
Provide an update on the greenhouse gas footprint of the Australian red meat production (farm and feedlot) and processing sectors, including:
• Calculated emissions from the red meat sector in 2019
• Revised emissions from 2005, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 based on current inventory data
Calculate GHG footprint for Australian red meat industry in 2005 and 2015-2019 using alternative GWP and GTP metrics (GWP20, GWP100, GTP20, GTP100).
Key findings
Greenhouse gas emissions from the red meat industry in 2019 were 54.6 Mt CO2-e, a decrease of almost 60% since 2005, when annual emissions were 133.4 Mt CO2-e. The majority of emissions were associated with enteric fermentation and vegetation management. The reduction in emissions since 2005 is due a reduction in the clearing of woody vegetation.
Benefits to industry
The results presented in this report enable the red meat industry to identify major sources of emissions, monitor changes in emissions, and prioritise activities to reduce emissions as part of a CN30 program.
Future research
The report suggests opportunities to improve the accuracy of these calculations.
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For more information Contact Project Manager: Jacob Betros |
