How Seaweed Can Help Curb Methane Emissions From Cows – Impakter

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Sweden’s Efforts to Reduce Methane Emissions

The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, known as Naturvårdsverket, has recently submitted a report to the Swedish Ministry of Climate and Food proposing a series of measures to decrease Sweden’s methane emissions. This report emphasizes the importance of addressing methane emissions, as methane is the second most abundant greenhouse gas (GHG) after carbon dioxide (CO2) and has a significant impact on global warming.

The Significance of Methane Emissions

Methane accounts for approximately 20 percent of global emissions and is more than 25 times as potent as carbon dioxide in trapping heat in the atmosphere. Livestock, particularly cattle, are major contributors to methane emissions. A single cow can produce between 154 to 264 pounds of methane gas per year, resulting in at least 231 billion pounds of methane emitted into the atmosphere annually.

Proposals to Reduce Methane Emissions

The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency’s report calls for long-term and effective investment support from the government to implement methane reduction measures. One proposed solution is the use of feed additives, such as 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP), which can reduce methane emissions by an average of about 30 percent in dairy cows and 45 percent in cattle for meat production. The report also highlights the potential of red algae, specifically Asparagopsis, which could reduce methane emissions by up to 90%.

Implementation and Success Stories

While further research is needed to optimize the cultivation and use of red algae, some Swedish organizations have already started using it in innovative ways. Volta Greentech, a Swedish start-up, has successfully implemented the use of red algae in cattle feed additives. Their trial on a commercial farm in Sweden showed a reduction of over 80% in methane emissions from beef cows. This success has led to the availability of Lome Beef, a meat product made from cattle grazed on seaweed-based feed supplements, in certain Swedish Coop stores.

Challenges and Future Prospects

While the use of seaweed-based feed additives shows promise in reducing methane emissions, challenges remain in maintaining profitability without incentives. Policy development and government support are crucial in promoting the adoption of sustainable practices in the agriculture sector. By incorporating innovative solutions like Volta Greentech’s products into their report, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency is taking a step forward in addressing methane emissions and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of Impakter.com — Featured Photo: Cows at Vaqueria Ceiba Del Mar, in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, one of the largest dairy producers on the island and was a recipients of the new Dairy Assistance Program due to Hurricane Maria. The farm is also eligible for the Emergency Conservation Program. Featured Photo Credit: U.S. Department of Agriculture/USDA Photo/Preston Kere.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land

The article discusses the issue of methane emissions, which contribute to climate change. This aligns with SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Additionally, the article mentions the use of red algae as a feed additive to reduce methane emissions from cattle, which relates to SDG 15, which focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
• SDG 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce degradation of natural habitats

The article highlights the need for government support and investment in methane reduction measures, indicating a target under SDG 13.2. Additionally, the use of red algae as a feed additive to reduce methane emissions from cattle addresses the target under SDG 15.5 to take urgent action to reduce degradation of natural habitats.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Investment support for methane reduction measures
• Implementation of feed additives to reduce methane emissions
• Reduction in methane emissions from cattle

The article mentions the need for long-term and effective investment support to implement methane reduction measures, which can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards SDG 13.2. The use of feed additives, such as red algae and 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP), can be an indicator of progress towards implementing measures to reduce methane emissions from cattle. Finally, the reduction in methane emissions from cattle, as achieved through the use of feed additives, can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards SDG 15.5.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: impakter.com

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