Brazil is the largest beef exporter in the world. Methane emission levels are rising.

According to a study released by the Climate Observatory on Wednesday, three-fourths of Brazil's methane gas emissions were linked to beef and dairy cattle production, which accounted for 14.5 million tons of total emissions in 2023. This is the equivalent of 406 millions of tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent. According to a report released on Wednesday by the Climate Observatory, Brazil's methane emissions are largely linked to the production of beef and dairy cows. In 2023, this equated to 14.5 million tonnes of emissions, or 406 millions tons of CO2 equivalent.

Climate Observatory reported that this was more than all greenhouse gases produced by Italy during the same period.

Climate Observatory, an environmental network from Brazilian civil society said that "Methane can warm the earth much more than CO2." Its molecules... have 28 times the global warming potential of CO2 in a 100-year period. Brazil is home to the second largest cattle herd in the world. It sells beef, and its by-products, to scores of other countries. The nation will host the COP 30 Climate Conference in Belem (the heart of the Amazon) on November.

Climate Observatory said that the country was the fifth largest emitter of methane in the world, behind China, India, and the U.S.

Methane is produced by the digestive process of animals, mainly through their belching. Methane can also be produced by animal waste or rice irrigation. Ana Mano reports.

(source: Reuters)