A groundbreaking summit addressing methane emissions from livestock—one of agriculture’s most significant environmental challenges—was held earlier this year on May 19–20, 2024, at UC Davis. Organized by the UC Davis CLEAR Center, Spark Climate Solutions, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the State of the Science Summit: Reducing Methane from Animal Agriculture brought together scientists, policymakers, ranchers, and industry experts to discuss innovative solutions and foster global collaboration.
Key Takeaways from the Summit
The summit emphasized optimism around developing safe, cost-effective strategies to mitigate methane emissions. Highlights included:
- Global Perspectives: Panelists from Brazil, Ireland, and New Zealand shared international insights on reducing livestock methane.
- Innovations in Feed Additives: Researchers from top universities like Cornell and Colorado State University explored advances in methane-reducing additives.
- Technology and Policy: Presentations covered promising solutions like CRISPR, genome editing, methane capture technologies, and the need for robust policies to support innovation.
Methane, while short-lived in the atmosphere, is over 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in warming potential over 20 years. The summit’s discussions underscored its critical role in achieving global climate goals.
California’s Leadership in Methane Reduction
California has committed to a 40% reduction in methane emissions by 2030, the most ambitious target worldwide. State incentives and farmer-led innovations are paving the way, but challenges remain. According to experts like Dr. Frank Mitloehner, director of the CLEAR Center, gaps in protocols and qualification methods for enteric methane-reducing technologies need urgent attention to meet these goals.
What’s Next?
The summit’s report outlines the most promising strategies for methane reduction, including feed additives, genome editing, improved agricultural practices, and policy solutions. The collaborative effort among scientists, industry leaders, and policymakers aims to scale these solutions globally while ensuring sustainability in livestock production.
Learn More
- Read the Full Report: Access the 2024 summit report here.
- Register for the 2025 Summit: Next year’s summit will take place May 19–21, 2025, at UC Davis. Registration is open here.
For further details about the summit and ongoing efforts, visit the CLEAR Center website.
